Catalin Chereches got away with the judicial control in the file where he is investigated for bribe taking. Magistrates have also lifted the interdiction to directly or indirectly talk to four witnesses in the trial. Practically Chereches can come back at the helm of the Baia Mare City Hall.
A Liberal mayor a year ago, Catalin Chereches has been caught red-handed while taking RON 30,000. Anti-corruption prosecutors charged him with bribe taking in continued form. He was suspended from the mayor office and placed under preventive arrest on April 27, 2016 and imprisoned at Gherla Penitentiary.
Several hours before being detained, Chereches filed a new candidature for the mayor seat of Baia Mare as independent and moreover, he has won the local elections by over 70 per cent of the votes.
Chereches was indicted on May 20, 2016 after he would have received RON 70,000 from a person from the management of the city football team to financially support the club.
He was released for several hours on July 17 to swear into office as mayor, but he has been subsequently suspended from office by the county prefect.
Later on, on August 10, the suspended mayor of Baia Mare has been released from prison and placed under house arrest. He has finally got away with the house arrest as well, being placed under judicial control, being subject to restrictions pending trial.