Brazilian Ex–Vice Mayor Convicted for Living in U.S. While Collecting Salary

Overview

• An Espírito Santo judge found Jacy Rodrigues da Costa, known as Jacy Donato, liable for administrative misconduct for being absent from his post.
• The sentence orders R$122,091.66 in restitution and a R$36,627.49 civil fine, plus loss of public function and an eight‑year suspension of political rights.
• Prosecutors cited Federal Police records showing he lived abroad from August 25, 2018, to July 13, 2020, while paid as vice mayor of Água Doce do Norte.
• Judge Dener Carpaneda said receiving pay without service fit a “ghost employee” scheme and found intent to draw public funds without working.
• The defense argues there was no legal bar to his absence and will seek review at the Tribunal de Justiça do Espírito Santo; the Green Party says he no longer lives in Brazil.