Lawyers in Higuey have presented a case for corruption against Higuey city mayor Karen Aristy. Lawyers Ramon Nunez Marte and Jose Luis Hernandez Cedeno say that the mayor has used her influence in the city hall in favor of the Amable Aristy Castro company, which belongs to her parents and in which she is a partner. They say that in the past eight years, the city councilors have approved at least 11 permits for the installation of gas stations without objection but have placed obstacles to applications from others.
The lawyers accuse Aristy of violating Art. 146 of the Constitution that establishes:
“Any person who misappropriates public funds or who, by taking advantage of a position in a government branch or department, or a dependent of autonomous agency, obtains an economic benefit for himself or herself or for a third party, shall be punished according to the law;
“Likewise any person who provides benefits to his or her partners, relatives, friends or acquaintances shall be punished.”
They also allege that she has violated Art. 166 of the Penal Code and Art. 97 of the Municipal Law 176-07.
They have asked Pepca to open an investigation and presented the gas station licenses approved since Aristy took over the city government of Higuey as evidence. From 2006 to 2014, the Higuey city government has issued 18 permits.
The mayor, popularly known as Karina, is the daughter of the senator for La Altagracia province, Amable Aristy Castro.
