Two civil security officers deployed almost a decade ago in Torrevieja faced serious accusations yesterday. One held the rank of captain, the other lieutenant. They deny charges of improper bribery, coercion, deception, and document manipulation. The offenses are alleged to have spanned several cases, with the prosecutors seeking seven years for the captain and three for the lieutenant.
Opening statements took place a week ago in Elche, following a round of preliminary questions from the defense. The court indicated it would determine the admissibility of certain questions before delivering a verdict. One defense attorney also filed a complaint about the impartiality of the investigating judge, asserting potential breaches of fundamental rights in the course of the investigation.
invitations
The Public Ministry alleges that the two commanders were invited to drink at several bars along the Torrevieja coastline, a detail that allegedly delayed the handling of complaints or inspections. The defendants from the Benemérita denied these accusations, insisting that their presence at establishments was part of routine oversight work.
The then-captain of the Torrevieja Company testified in court that he was asked whether invitations for drinks had been extended. He stated that the opposite was true: periodic inspections were carried out at these venues and every establishment was reported when necessary. He also recounted that a bottle of alcohol was sometimes reserved for the group, but only because they had paid the bill in advance. He emphasized, however, that he never left an establishment without paying for items consumed.
The captain-turned-commander rejected claims that he blocked any inspection of a local venue, noting that he might not have been the most suitable person to perform certain inspections personally. He also mentioned that his girlfriend and another officer’s partner had previously been dismissed from their waitress positions at some venues.
Additionally, the official denied assaulting a bar patron on the night of November 1, 2014. The patron reportedly reacted in surprise after discovering a white substance in a toilet, which could have been cocaine. The defendant maintained that he and a companion, both off-duty, entered the restroom to investigate. He described himself as a civilian security guard during the incident and urged the patron to leave him alone.
blowing
According to the defense, the responding officer held the patron by the wrists and urged calm, explaining that the issue was an administrative complaint. He called for a supervisor from the bar and stepped outside to phone for back-up, during which he says that an officer allegedly struck him. When the patrol arrived, the group moved outdoors and the initial accusation shifted toward petty disobedience.
The officer rejected the idea that he falsified statements in the report to conceal an alleged assault. The bar patron corroborated the occurrence of a confrontation with the Armed Institute command during the hearing yesterday.
Prosecutors contend that the former lieutenant, who had been leading the Torrevieja Tax Patrol and later became captain, also denied pursuing personal interests through inspections outside his normal jurisdiction. The defense maintains that his actions were part of routine oversight duties, though the matter remains under thorough review.
Forensic statements included testimony from a civilian guard who reported workplace pressure and a demand to terminate employment made yesterday. It remains unclear whether any personnel benefits were provided in relation to the case, as prosecutors did not disclose further details during the hearing.
The ongoing oral proceedings continued yesterday, with the Seventh Section of the Elche-based tribunal scheduling two additional days for further testimony in December.