Verdict Due for Kaišiadorys Mayor in "Čekiukai" Case Involving Alleged Fund Misuse

Kaišiadorys Mayor Š. Čėsna is awaiting a verdict in the "čekiukai" case, a legal battle concerning alleged abuse of office and falsification of expense reports. This is the final "čekiukai" case to be heard in this court, as changes in law now classify such offenses as less serious crimes handled by district courts.

The court was initially scheduled to deliver its verdict in January, but the judge requested the prosecution identify and question the owners of several bank cards used in the case. While some card owners were identified and questioned, the owner of a Swiss-issued bank card used by the mayor for fuel purchases remains unknown.

Witnesses testified that they would drive the mayor, receive receipts, and be reimbursed in cash. The prosecutor initially sought a 10,000 euro fine and a three-year ban from public service for the mayor. Following the case's renewal and new witness testimonies, the prosecutor maintained their request for a conviction.

According to the criminal case file, between 2019 and 2023, while serving as a member of the Kaišiadorys Municipal Council, Čėsna allegedly falsified 42 expense reports. These reports contained inaccurate information about transportation and fuel costs. It is suspected that the council member used company fuel cards for some payments, thereby fraudulently acquiring 4,424 euros belonging to the Kaišiadorys District Municipality administration.

The mayor has since repaid the alleged damages to the municipality during the pre-trial investigation. Court documents indicate that Čėsna included fuel purchased with a "Telesita" company card in his expense claims. Public records show Čėsna is a 50% shareholder in "Telesita," a telecommunications equipment retail company, and served as its director from 2015 to 2023. He claimed the company owed him money, and this was his way of settling the debt, with the municipality reimbursing him based on the receipts.

Additionally, Čėsna submitted fuel receipts paid with cards belonging to several individuals, including his father, Vytautas Čėsna. The Special Investigation Service (STT) also gathered evidence that the mayor submitted fuel receipts for Karolis Petkevičius, a party colleague and former council member, now the director of the Kaišiadorys District Municipality administration.

Š. Čėsna has pleaded not guilty and requested acquittal. The verdict is scheduled to be announced on June 25.

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The mayor claimed the company owed him money and he was settling the debt this way -- the municipality would transfer money to him based on the checks.