Court upholds three-year public office ban for former Ignalina mayor

Panevėžys Regional Court has upheld a three-year ban on former Ignalina district mayor Justas Rasikas and former deputy mayor Juozas Rokas holding elected or appointed public office, LRT reported Wednesday, citing the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The court rejected appeals against the ban on October 29, finding the measure proportionate to the offences and consistent with court practice in similar cases. Its ruling took effect on the day it was issued.

Rasikas and Rokas were charged with fraud, abuse of office and document forgery over claims that they improperly obtained municipal funds during the 2019–2023 term. Investigators said they submitted false fuel receipts and expense reports to claim reimbursement for fuel supposedly used while carrying out their duties as council members.

Rasikas received 5,075 euros after submitting 86 fuel receipts and 27 expense reports, while Rokas received 5,289 euros after submitting 93 receipts and 28 reports. Both repaid the full amount of damage to the municipality during the investigation.

On May 11, Utena District Court’s Ignalina courthouse found both men guilty but exempted them from criminal liability under surety for 18 months, placing them under the responsibility of family members. It also barred them from elected or appointed positions in state or municipal institutions and their entities for three years. Their lawyers appealed that part of the ruling. Both men are members of the Ignalina District Municipal Council in the current term.