Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera is sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a secret lobbying effort connected to the Venezuelan government. Multiple outlets report that Rivera was convicted in May by a federal jury in Miami and is now serving his sentence.
Authorities say Rivera secretly lobbied U.S. officials in 2017 and 2018 while failing to register as a foreign agent. Prosecutors also alleged money-laundering-related conduct tied to millions of dollars associated with the work, including conspiracy charges. PBS and other outlets specify convictions on counts that include failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The reporting also describes Rivera as a Florida Republican and a longtime ally of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. One outlet says Rivera had a reported $50 million contract from Venezuela and, according to his defense, argued for removing President Nicolás Maduro despite representing or advocating on behalf of the Venezuelan government. Outlets broadly agree on the core conduct, conviction timeline, and the 10-year sentence.
