Puerto Rico Senator Sentenced to Extortion and Public Corruption
Washington – In a shocking turn of events, Jorge De Castro Font, a 45-year-old former senator in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to 20 counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion on [date] before U.S. District Judge Francisco Augusto Besosa in the District of Puerto Rico.
According to officials, De Castro Font devised and engaged in a scheme that deprived the people of Puerto Rico of his honest services as a legislator, performed free from conflict of interest, concealment and improper influence. De Castro Font also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion through fear of economic harm and under color of official right.
De Castro Font admitted that from January 2, 2005, through August 2008, he directly and indirectly solicited between approximately $500,000 and $525,000 in cash payments and other benefits, such as campaign contributions in excess of the legal limits, lodging, private flights, meals and other things of value, from individuals.
De Castro Font admitted that he engaged in official acts on behalf of some of these individuals who had provided him with these undisclosed benefits, including but not limited to, proposing legislation, preventing legislative projects to be voted or acted upon, and persuading other legislators to vote for or against legislation.
De Castro Font also admitted to participating in a conspiracy to obtain cash and other benefits from five individuals whom he admitted he knew felt that if they did not provide him with the financial benefits requested, De Castro Font could use his official position to harm their financial interests.
“Using an elected office for personal gain denies citizens the honest services of their elected leaders,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Rita M. Glavin. “The sale of influence and public corruption will not be tolerated by the FBI or the law-abiding citizens of Puerto Rico.”
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of public corruption and the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their actions. De Castro Font’s guilty plea is a significant step towards justice and a message to all public servants that the sale of influence and public corruption will not be tolerated.
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