He admitted the facts with which he was accused. Offenses of “embezzlement of public funds by a person invested with an elective mandate”, “favoritism” and “complicity in breach of trust”. Gérard Spinelli, the mayor of Beausoleil, near Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), was sentenced this Friday to one year in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros as part of an appearance on prior admission of guilt (CRPC) , announces the Nice prosecutor’s office in a press release. This so-called “guilty plea” procedure spares the elected official the trial before the criminal court, to which he was summoned on September 25.
The decision rendered does not include a penalty of ineligibility. Mayor of Beausoleil from 1989 to 2001, then again since 2008, Gérard Spinelli will therefore be able to run for a new term as mayor in 2026, or in any other election.
“Financing of private activities”
Since February 12, 2020, the councilor has been the target of a preliminary investigation for “embezzlement of public funds” and concealment of these offenses. The investigations revealed in particular “the organization and financing by the town hall of private activities, the incurring of expenses for personal purposes and more generally, the non-compliance with the rules of public procurement regarding food expenses », recalls the Nice prosecutor’s office.
“I would like to point out that I have not benefited from any personal enrichment,” Gérard Spinelli reacted in a press release, recalling that the facts date back more than five years. Errors can be made, I have increased the controls, reinforced the procedures so that this risk is reduced as much as possible in the future. »