Puerto Rico Judge Convicted of Bribery Charges

A current Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge has been convicted of accepting bribes to acquit a businessman of vehicular homicide charges.

Manuel Acevedo-Hernández, 62, a supervisory superior court judge in the Aguadilla judicial region of Puerto Rico, was convicted late yesterday following a one-week trial of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and receipt of a bribe by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds.

According to evidence at trial, Acevedo-Hernández presided over a case involving Lutgardo Acevedo-Lopez, 39, a certified public accountant in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. On June 30, 2012, a car driven by Acevedo-Lopez collided with another car, resulting in the death of the other car’s driver.

Acevedo-Lopez was charged with criminal vehicular homicide in connection with the incident. Acevedo-Hernández acquitted Acevedo-Lopez of all charges.

The evidence demonstrated that Acevedo-Lopez used an intermediary to bribe Acevedo-Hernández by paying taxes owed by Acevedo-Hernández, paying for the construction of a garage for Acevedo-Hernández, and providing Acevedo-Hernández with a motorcycle, clothing and accessories, including cufflinks and a watch.

In exchange, Acevedo-Hernández acquitted Acevedo-Lopez of all charges.

Acevedo-Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and paying a bribe to an agent of an organization receiving federal funds on August 14, 2014.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Division and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Peter Mason of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Henwood and Jose Capo of the District of Puerto Rico.

Citizens of Puerto Rico who have allegations of public corruption are encouraged to contact the FBI’s San Juan Division at (787) 754-6000.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 20, 2015, before Chief U.S. District Judge Aida Delgado-Colon of the District of Puerto Rico.

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