Political controversy has erupted in Mondragone over the decision by the administration led by Mayor Francesco Lavanga not to join the municipality as a civil party in the criminal trial against former local police commander David Bonuglia, which began yesterday at the Santa Maria Capua Vetere court.
Bonuglia, under house arrest since his arrest last June, is charged with corruption, extortion, embezzlement, forgery, and domestic violence. The failure to establish the entity—which could have sought compensation for damages—has sparked a political conflict in the city.
The opposition's attack
The opposition council groups reacted harshly. In a joint statement, center-right group leader Pasquale Marquez and councilors Achille Cennami and Emilio Martucci (Democrats for Mondragone civic list) "firmly" condemned the decision, blaming the councilors for failing to prevent it.
The opposition also announced it would approach the Court of Auditors' Office to investigate any administrative liability of the mayor, municipal council, and city council, citing potential financial damage related to the crimes alleged against the former commander.
The investigation: from the armed fight to the embezzlement charges
The investigation by the Carabinieri and the Santa Maria Capua Vetere Public Prosecutor's Office stemmed from an incident in January 2021: a violent argument between Bonuglia and a female traffic warden, during which the then-commander pointed his service pistol—a Beretta 9x21—at the officer, hurling serious insults at her.
Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of over fifty counts of embezzlement and other illegal conduct. These included the construction of an illegal mini-apartment inside the command center at the end of 2020, complete with bedroom and kitchen.
According to the prosecution, Bonuglia not only ignored the removal order issued by a municipal official, but also responded with threatening messages; furthermore, with the help of colleagues, he drafted a false report certifying that the works had never been removed.
Police officers, former mayor and deputy mayor involved
A total of 23 people are under investigation in the proceedings: among them 14 local police officers, former mayor Virgilio Pacifico, and former city councilor and now deputy mayor Armando Pacifico.
The CGIL also reported Bonuglia in February 2022, citing a lack of furnishings in the command premises and alleged discriminatory conduct towards officers.
Illegal housing and the clash with the local health authority
The ASL technicians, who intervened following the union complaint, confirmed the lack of lockers and the existence of illegal lodgings at the headquarters. According to the prosecution, Bonuglia and Armando Pacifico responded by sending eight officers to the Mondragone ASL district the following day to report alleged irregularities, in a sort of retaliation.
The initiative reportedly prompted the director of the Prevention Department—who is not under investigation—to suspend checks on the lack of a health and safety certificate for the accommodation.
The resignation and the arrest
Bonuglia resigned from his position as commander in February 2024, but continued to serve as an official responsible for coordinating and supervising local police departments until the precautionary measure placing him under house arrest was issued.
The trial is now entering its final stages, while in Mondragone the political conflict over the municipality's failure to join the civil action appears set to continue.
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 24/02/2026 at 12:59 PM - Content structure updated
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
The situation in Mondragone seems strange to me. The administration has decided not to file a civil action, and this leaves many people confused. Bonuglia is the defendant, but the true course of events is still unclear. The opposition is saying different things, and the municipality isn't reacting as it should.