Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Ex-Councillor Cándido Agustín Gómez García Amidst Misconduct Allegations

The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has taken significant legal steps against Cándido Agustín Gómez García, the former Councillor for Security in Güímar. This action arises from serious allegations of administrative misconduct and the misappropriation of public funds, which have raised eyebrows within the local community and beyond.

Details of the Allegations

The allegations against Gómez García center on his authorization of overtime payments for local police officers, which were reportedly made without the necessary budgetary provisions. These payments, made during the final months of 2024, have sparked concerns regarding their legality and adherence to proper financial protocols.

Reports indicate that the decrees allowing these payments were signed by the then mayor-president of the Local Corporation, implicating a broader network of accountability. Gustavo Pérez, the former mayor, is also under scrutiny for allegedly ignoring objections and adverse reports from legal technicians during the review process of these payments. This raises questions about the governance practices in place at the time.

Concerns Over Financial Management

The prosecutor’s office has pointed out that the actions taken by Gómez García resulted in significant objections from the General Auditor of the City Council and other officials. These officials voiced their concerns about the misuse of overtime payments, arguing that the concept of overtime was improperly applied to cover services that should have been included in the regular working hours of police officers.

Moreover, the prosecutor has asserted that payments were made for overtime hours that were never actually worked, highlighting a systemic issue within the management of overtime in the local police force. This practice, described as irregular, raises fundamental questions about the integrity of the financial management systems in place within the municipality.

Implications for Local Governance and Community Trust

The implications of these allegations extend beyond individual accountability, as the prosecutor has expressed concern over the potential impact on social harmony and governance within the municipality. They noted that arbitrary decisions made to maintain ‘social peace’ with the police could severely undermine the integrity of local governance and damage the trust of other municipal staff.

The complaint emphasizes the role of the Chief of the Local Police in this alleged fraud, suggesting that the actions taken have had detrimental effects on the municipal finances. It is further alleged that Gómez García was fully aware of the legal violations when he proposed the overtime payments, which amounted to a staggering €52,231.65 for the months of October, November, and December 2024.

In addition to the testimonies from Gómez and Pérez, the prosecution is actively seeking further evidence from key figures within the City Council, including the General Secretary, Human Resources Officer, and municipal auditor. They are also requesting access to local police work schedules and information regarding the Chief of the Local Police during the years in question, which could provide crucial insights into the management practices at the time.

This complaint was officially filed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on October 10, 2025, and has been forwarded to the Güímar Court of First Instance for further examination. The court will determine whether the alleged actions constitute a criminal offense, marking a significant moment in local governance and accountability.

Key points

• Cándido Agustín Gómez García faces charges for administrative malpractice and misappropriation of funds.
• Allegations involve unauthorized overtime payments to local police officers.
• Former mayor Gustavo Pérez is implicated for lifting objections to these payments.
• The prosecutor’s office highlights systemic issues with overtime management in the police force.
• The complaint was filed on October 10, 2025, and sent to the Güímar Court for further action.