Cops Raid Santa Cruz, Arrest Mayor in Bribery Case

SANTA CRUZ, Guanacaste – The Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) this week arrested the mayor of the municipality of Santa Cruz and two other functionaries as prosecutors investigate allegations of bribery, embezzlement and mishandling of public funds.

Prosecutors closed the municipality’s offices in this northwestern town on Tuesday for an expected three days for the investigation, which includes a search of the offices.

By the end of the day Tuesday, the prosecutor’s office placed the three officials under house arrest and suspended their positions. The case falls under the jurisdiction of the Labor and Family Branch of the Supreme Court in San José.

Some of the charges stem from Mario Moreira, the financial director of the municipality, who publicly denounced Mayor Jorge Chavarría for allegedly granting commercial permits illegally to 25 artisans who ply their trade on ConchalBeach.