Rio State Cabinet Appointee André Moura Facing Three Criminal Cases

By Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – André Moura (PSC-SE) who was recently appointed by Rio de Janeiro Governor, Wilson Witzel, as Special Cabinet Representative for the State in Brasília, stands accused in three criminal cases that are being considered by Brazil’s Supreme Court.

He is accused of criminal conspiracy and embezzlement in the city of Pirambu, in Sergipe. These crimes were alleged to have been committed between 2005 and 2007.

In February 2018, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office (PGR) submitted the final allegations in the three criminal proceedings to the Superior Federal Court (STJ).

The PGR sought a conviction and reimbursement of public coffers, in addition to the payment of a fine equivalent to three times the funds that had been embezzled.

According to the PGR’s allegations in the case, André Moura was City Mayor for two terms, from 1997 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2004.

The indictment states that his successor, Juarez Batista dos Santos, was elected with his endorsement.

In a deposition, Juarez affirmed that Moura was in fact in charge of the city from 2005 to 2007. He would appoint secretaries and use the public machine to serve his political and personal interests.

According to the indictment, Juarez accused him of demanding a transfer of over R$1 million (US$250,000) in 2006.

Sought by media outlet G1, the minister’s defense stated that he has never been convicted by the Supreme Court or by the Appellate Court of Sergipe, his State of origin.

André Moura recognizes that he is accused in three criminal actions, combined into one single case, which was judged on appeal by the STJ and the Sergipe Appellate Court, leading the defense to believe that he will be acquitted.

The Government of Rio de Janeiro stated that Moura has not been convicted in any judicial proceedings and is defending himself in higher courts.