Posted on 08/25/2008 7:49:53 AM PDT by rrstar96
(English-language translation)
In addition to allegedly approving legislative bills and cabinet appointments in exchange for money, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are investigating alleged acts of money laundering and bank fraud by New Progressive Party Senator Jorge de Castro Font, sources to EL VOCERO reported.
According to the sources, this is why the IRS joined the investigation which began in March.
EL VOCERO anticipated on July 8 that federal authorities were investigating the alleged approval of bills in exchange for money coming from "large interests", as well as the confirmation of cabinet members.
Among the appointments for which payments were allegedly mediated, there were those of Attorney General Roberto Sánchez Ramos; former Secretary of State Fernando Bonilla; and former Secretary of Transportation & Public Works Gabriel Alcaraz, sources to EL VOCERO assured. However, they affirm that none of these officials had knowledge of irregularities behind their [respective] confirmations in the high chamber.
Regarding the money-laundering angle, the sources indicate this was the reason why a Miramar gasoline station where check-cashing and transactions supposedly took place was raided.
Audio and Video Evidence
Sources to EL VOCERO maintain that federal authorities have videos and telephone recordings of cooperating witnesses.
"The feds have similar evidence as the one against Elvin Camacho Vélez (former Regional Director of the Office for Public-School Improvements) because they recorded it with cooperators, and they have telephone recordings," one of the sources pointed out.
EL VOCERO had also reported that the investigation is under the direction of [U.S.] Attorney Ernesto López Soltero and is supported by the Public Integrity Division of the Department of Justice in Washington.
According to the sources, the investigation began after a witness related to the [federal] case against Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá reported to the authorities about irregularities on De Castro's part.
According to the source, this witness has been a contributor to the Popular Democratic Party and the New Progressive Party for years, and has had contracts with the current administration and that of former Governor Sila Calderón.
Some 80 FBI and IRS agents raided De Castro's residence and Capitol office this past Saturday after Federal Judge Francisco A. Besosa issued a search warrant on August 21. Judge Besosa also ordered telephone-call interceptions.
During the Capitol raid, agents carried 15 computers and scores of document boxes from the senator's office.
Meanwhile, agents confiscated several boxes with papers, watches, weapons, and bullets during the raid on the residence.
ping
CORRECTION: Fernando Bonilla is still Puerto Rico’s Secretary of State. Sorry for the inaccurate information.
The money quote. It all leads to the Puerto Rican Tammany Hall.
You now have to wonder if other legislators were “bought” as De Castro was. It wouldn’t surprise me if the feds are investigating this possibility.
I’m pretty sure that sales of Kaopectate in and around Old San Juan are going through the roof!
Yes! And for those more agreeable to a sweet, bubble-gum taste, Pepto Bismol will do the job!
All joking aside, this is pretty bad for Puerto Rico. The Governor, one Senator, and one candidate for the House of Representatives are hit with federal indictments since March. It almost sounds like the Louisiana political culture (which I hope Governor Jindal will succeed in cleaning up) has opened a “branch office” in the island.
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