Sorrento, Mayor Coppola Takes Illness and Does Not Answer the GIP

Sorrento – Tension is sky-high during the interrogation to validate the arrests of the mayor of Sorrento, Massimo Coppola, and his collaborator, Francesco Di Maio, involved in an investigation into alleged irregularities in the awarding of municipal contracts.

Today, before the GIP of Torre Annunziata, Emanuela Cozzitorto, the mayor availed himself of the right to remain silent, claiming illness.

Coppola, accompanied by the lawyer Giovanbattista Pane, chose silence. Different was the attitude of his collaborator, Francesco Di Maio, defended by the lawyer Alessandro Orsi, who instead would have released statements considered useful to the investigation.

Both were arrested in flagrante delicto by the Guardia di Finanza, as part of an investigation coordinated by the Torre Annunziata Prosecutor's Office which aims to shed full light on an alleged system of illicit practices in the management of public contracts in Sorrento.

The two had been caught by the financial police with an alleged bribe of 6.000 euros in a restaurant, during a dinner that, according to investigators, had been organized specifically for the delivery of the money. This sum is believed by investigators to be part of a bribe linked to the awarding of important municipal services, including school meals.

The investigation continues to clarify all the details of the affair and establish any further responsibilities.