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Canary Islands Housing Chief Resigns After Judge Formally Charges Him in 2017 Sex Case

The February 6 prosecution order closed a probe opened in 2022, with a defense appeal now before the court.

Overview

  • Antonio Ortega submitted his resignation as director of the Canary Islands housing institute, a move confirmed Friday by regional housing chief Pablo Rodríguez, who said the government will take formal notice on Monday.
  • Investigating judge Tomás Martín of Court No. 3 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria issued the order processing Ortega for a presumed crime against sexual freedom.
  • The judge set bail at €125,000, with potential asset seizure to guarantee possible compensation to the complainant if there is a conviction.
  • The case originates from a complaint filed in 2022 by a woman who reported nonconsensual touching in 2017, when Ortega was mayor of San Mateo.
  • Ortega’s lawyers have filed a reform appeal disputing procedure, evidentiary grounds, and the statute of limitations, and the case could proceed to oral trial if the appeal fails and the accusations seek that step.