Bucaramanga’s Mayor Seeks Victim Status in Embezzlement Case
The newly appointed mayor of Bucaramanga, Javier Augusto Sarmiento Olarte, has formally requested recognition for the municipality as a victim in an ongoing criminal investigation concerning alleged embezzlement. The case centers on the disappearance of scrap metal associated with the removal of public lighting components across the city.
Formal Request to the Prosecutor’s Office
On December 11, 2025, a request was officially submitted to the Attorney General’s Office, addressed specifically to Prosecutor 4 of the Crimes against Public Administration Unit in Santander. This request aims to classify Bucaramanga as a procedural victim, a status that would allow the municipality more significant involvement and rights within the criminal proceedings.
Sarmiento’s formal request is grounded in the Colombian Code of Criminal Procedure. He seeks acknowledgment of Bucaramanga as a victim due to the financial implications of the alleged wrongdoing, specifically the embezzlement of valuable assets intended for public lighting enhancements.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation stems from a complaint lodged in October 2024 by social leaders, highlighting the loss of 32,000 streetlights and 330 metal poles between 2015 and 2023. The initial allegations suggest that these materials were mishandled by the previous administration, with assertions that they had been unlawfully stored, incurring an approximate loss of 1.2 billion pesos.
Key individuals accused in the complaints include Jorge Alejandro García, the former Secretary of Infrastructure, and Juan Carlos Gélvez Rojas, the previous coordinator of Public Lighting. The inquiry also looks into Óscar Ramírez, linked to former mayor Jaime Andrés Beltrán, who was dismissed in August 2025 on allegations of inappropriate conduct.
The Role of Key Witnesses
The investigation gained traction following statements from Edgardo Herrera, a former advisor within the Bucaramanga Public Lighting Office, who came forward as a central witness. He recounted a significant interaction with Hernán Villamizar, where he was urged to facilitate the removal of materials. Herrera described the benevolent treatment he received while in service and suggested that the removal of these materials was coordinated through a WhatsApp group, with Ramírez steering the actions.
Such revelations paint a troubling picture of possible collusion and mismanagement at the municipal level. Herrera’s detailed testimony adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings, emphasizing the interconnections between the officials involved.
Implications for Bucaramanga
If the municipality is recognized as a victim, the legal ramifications could be substantial. This status might allow Bucaramanga to recover some of the lost assets or, at the very least, ensure accountability for those involved in the alleged embezzlement. Additionally, it could significantly influence public opinion regarding current leadership and governance practices.
Conclusion
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the response from the Attorney General’s Office and how the legal landscape will shift based on Sarmiento’s request. The outcome of this case could not only affect those directly accused but also serve as a pivotal moment for governance and transparency within Bucaramanga.