Estepona’s mayor, José María García Urbano (PP), will testify in court on November 18th following a complaint by a municipal employee for alleged sexual harassment. The employee, a local police officer, has confirmed his complaint, while García Urbano maintains that the accusation is false. He has requested the opportunity to testify in order to demonstrate the lack of foundation for the complaint. The complaint alleges that the employee engaged in sexual relations with the mayor out of fear of losing his job. The case is being investigated by the 5th Court of First Instance and Preliminary Investigation in Estepona.
The complaint was filed on October 22nd, and a week later the court accepted the case for investigation, scheduling a hearing with the employee to determine the next steps based on evidence of possible criminal activity. The employee claims that the mayor subjected him to sexual advances and coerced him into a sexual relationship, offering financial incentives and making threats about his job security. The employee also alleges that the mayor took advantage of his position of authority. The court will determine whether to proceed based on the evidence presented during the hearing.
García Urbano has been mayor of Estepona since 2011, leading the PP in a period marked by the Astapa corruption scandal that rocked the local PSOE party in 2008. In the 2023 elections, he won 17 out of 25 council seats in the municipality, making him the most voted mayor in municipalities of 50,000 inhabitants. The allegations brought against him have prompted the town hall to express its support for the mayor and its intention to defend his reputation against what they see as a campaign to damage his personal dignity and professional standing.
The employee’s testimony alleges that Garcia Urbano took advantage of his authority as mayor to initiate a sexual relationship and maintain control over his employment status. The allegations detail specific encounters and interactions that took place between the two parties, including financial offers and threats made by the mayor. The court will review the evidence presented by both sides and decide whether to pursue charges based on the available information. The situation has caused a rift in the community and raised questions about the mayor’s conduct in office.
The case has garnered public attention and drawn comparisons to previous corruption scandals in the region, such as the Astapa case that resulted in multiple convictions for corrupt practices. The court’s decision regarding Garcia Urbano’s testimony will have a significant impact on his reputation and political future. The mayor’s supporters have rallied behind him, while critics question his fitness to hold office in light of the allegations. The outcome of the hearing will determine the next steps in the legal process and shed light on the complex dynamics at play in Estepona’s municipal government.
