Ex-La Plata Mayor Julio Garro Indicted in Illegal Land Development Probe

Former La Plata mayor Julio Garro, a member of Juntos por el Cambio, faces indictment on charges including illicit enrichment, fraudulent administration, abuse of authority, and potential environmental violations. The charges stem from an investigation into alleged illegal land developments for gated communities during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

The resolution was issued by prosecutor Juan Menucci, who is examining the alleged disregard for provincial directives that prohibited urban developments without mandatory legal and technical validation. This process reportedly occurred to the detriment of public funds. Former Governor María Eugenia Vidal had previously flagged limitations on such developments, yet the allegedly irregular process continued under Garro's administration.

The complaint was initiated by the current mayor, Julio Alak, through the communal Justice Secretary, Marina Mongiardino. The investigation focuses on the deliberate omission of necessary controls to verify legal compliance and the facilitation of these developments, potentially ignoring objections from the Provincial Directorate of Urban Planning and encroaching on agricultural land, which could violate environmental laws.

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Esta investigación comenzó en 2024- se precisó en el entorno de Garro- No encontraron nada. Como cambió el fiscal volvieron a notificar la imputación.

While the municipality claims approximately 450 neighborhoods with thousands of lots are involved, Garro's camp asserts that only nine developments are under scrutiny. Alak described the situation as a "criminal chain," noting that the municipality has halted more than half of the projects based on the new Territorial Planning Code. However, other developments remain available for sale.

Garro has publicly denied the accusations, stating, "I never signed a decree for a fraudulent neighborhood." He added, "This investigation began in 2024. They found nothing. As the prosecutor changed, they notified the indictment again." Garro maintains his willingness to be investigated, expressing hope for justice. The case initially fell under prosecutor Juan Cruz Condomí Alcorta, who did not advance the proceedings, leading the municipality to request his recusal before the case was transferred to prosecutor Juan Menucci.

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Yo estoy dispuesto a que me investiguen. Espero justicia.