Former Taisha Mayor Cergio A. Ch. and Officials Tried for Embezzlement in Ecuador

A judge of Ecuador’s specialized criminal court has summoned former Taisha mayor Cergio A. Ch. and four former municipal officials to trial on alleged embezzlement charges.

Prosecutors allege the group contracted a $78,631 (plus VAT) public‑works project to improve the canton’s water‑supply system and build a dam on the Wambimi River. The work had already been completed, yet a new contract was reportedly initiated in February 2018 and payment authorized in June 2018.

The accused include substitute mayor Atsamp Mario T., public‑works director Everly Leonardo S., audit coordinator Nivaldo Leodán A., and contractor Victor Hugo T. They face prosecution under article 278 of Ecuador’s penal code for misuse of public funds, with evidence including engineering reports, financial statements and audit records presented to the court.