Porto Seguro former official's assets frozen over elderly benefit withholding

A court in Porto Seguro has ordered the freezing of assets and financial resources belonging to Washington Júnior Gomes Borges, the former municipal Secretary of Social Assistance, to ensure the restitution of funds owed to elderly residents. The decision follows an action by the Public Ministry of the State of Bahia (MPBA) regarding the Vila do Bem Viver Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly.

Investigations revealed that between April and July of this year, residents were denied the 30% portion of their social security and assistance benefits intended for personal expenses, as municipal law allows only 70% to be used for institutional costs. The estimated loss is approximately R$ 28,300.20. Additionally, authorities found that bank cards belonging to the residents were being improperly held by the institution's manager. While ten cards were returned following MPBA intervention, four remained withheld.

The former secretary has been exonerated from his position and faces criminal investigation for potential violations of the Statute of the Elderly and misappropriation of funds.