Buenos Aires, Nov 17 (NA) – The Pinamar Municipality officially dismissed the head of Treasury, Norma Beatriz Watson, following the conclusion of an administrative investigation initiated months prior, which confirmed serious irregularities in the handling of public funds.
In the internal case file, pushed forward by the administration of Mayor Juan Ibarguren, 11 videos filmed between January 24 and February 4 were included, showing the official taking stacks of cash and putting them in her purse inside the office during working hours.
The municipal decree also detailed adulterated accounting maneuvers, cash discrepancies, double registration of income, and the improper use of the "Pending Income" account, mechanisms that would have allowed her to conceal the embezzlement of over 7 million pesos.
According to what Noticias Argentinas agency learned, Watson's defense questioned the validity of the recordings and presented various objections.
From the Municipality, they highlighted that all corresponding steps were followed: the summary, the complaint filed with the Justice system, an internal audit to determine the scope of the shortfall, and finally, the dismissal.
Among her arguments, she stated that the money was her property and that, for security reasons, she preferred to keep her savings with her.
The Disciplinary Board rejected all defenses and endorsed the validity of the procedure.
The dismissal was applied with retroactive effect to the first proven incident, and the case was referred to the Tribunal of Accounts, which will define the patrimonial liability for the economic damage.
According to the Executive, the official's conduct had a direct impact on the municipal patrimony and affected the institutional prestige.
