RIO DE JANEIRO – The mayor of the Brazilian city of Presidente Kennedy (named after JFK) was arrested Thursday for corruption in a Federal Police operation ironically dubbed “Lee Harvey Oswald.”

The city was named after U.S. President John F. Kennedy, in a tribute to his persona. The city received donations from his Alliance for Progress plan.

Reginaldo Quinta was detained along with 27 other people on charges they conspired to embezzle 50 million reais ($26.6 million) in public funds, the Federal Police said in a statement.

Operation “Lee Harvey Oswald” arose out an investigation launched six months ago that identified Presidente Kennedy’s mayor as the boss of a criminal organization.

Presidente Kennedy remains one of the poorest cities in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo despite its having a per capita GDP higher than that of some developed countries thanks to generous support from other levels of government, the Federal Police said.

The discrepancy between the nominally high incomes and the poor living standards can be attributed to the diversion of resources by the alleged corruption ring, according to the police statement.

Read more about President Kennedy and his legacy in blockbuster novel, DESTINATION DEALEY: Countdown to the Kennedy Conspiracy.

Tags: JFK, Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald, Memorials, Popular Culture, Presidents