Puerto Rico Businessman Bribes Judge to Avoid Conviction

A shocking case of judicial corruption has come to light as Lutgardo Acevedo-Lopez, a 39-year-old certified public accountant from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to bribing a Puerto Rico Superior Court judge to avoid conviction in a vehicular homicide case.

According to court documents, Acevedo-Lopez was charged with criminal vehicular homicide after a car collision on June 30, 2012, resulted in the death of another driver. Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Manuel Acevedo-Hernandez acquitted Acevedo-Lopez of all charges.

Acevedo-Lopez, in his plea agreement, admitted to bribing Acevedo-Hernandez with a list of lavish gifts, including paying taxes owed by the judge, constructing a garage for him, and providing him with a motorcycle, clothing, and accessories, including cufflinks and a watch.

The FBI’s San Juan Division is leading the investigation, and Trial Attorney Peter Mason of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Henwood and Jose Capo of the District of Puerto Rico are also involved in the prosecution.

Acevedo-Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2014, before Chief U.S. District Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colón in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Charges remain pending against Acevedo-Hernandez, who was charged with bribery-related offenses in an indictment unsealed on May 28, 2014.

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

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