U.S. Rep. David Rivera received a 10-year federal prison sentence for his role in a secret $50 million lobbying effort for the Venezuelan government during the Trump administration. Rivera, a former Florida congressman and close friend of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was sentenced in a Miami federal court after being convicted in May on all counts in a seven-week trial.
Following his conviction on May 1, Rivera remained in custody without bond. His sentencing, initially set for July 20, took place on October 2. Rivera faced a potential 60-year sentence and a $20 million asset forfeiture judgment.
Federal Officials’ Response
Federal officials criticized Rivera, viewing the case as a betrayal of South Florida, a region with many residents who fled oppressive regimes. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones emphasized the gravity of Rivera’s actions, saying they were not “a simple mistake” but a sale of his reputation for greed.
“For many families here, communism is not an economic idea; it means murder, torture, political prisoners, families divided, and exile for political freedom,” said Reding Quiñones.
FBI’s Brett Skiles stated the consequences of acting covertly for a foreign government. IRS Criminal Investigation’s Charles Miller noted that political positions do not offer protection from prosecution.
Rivera and political consultant Esther Nuhfer were found guilty of numerous federal charges, including failing to register as a foreign agent and money laundering conspiracy. They secretly represented Venezuela’s government through a multimillion-dollar contract with Rivera’s company from 2017 to 2018.
Secret Influence on U.S. Policy
Rivera’s indictment contained 11 counts. Prosecutors stated that Delcy Rodríguez, then-Venezuelan Foreign Minister, enlisted Rivera to use his Republican connections to persuade the Trump administration to ease Venezuela sanctions.
The trial revealed Rivera’s undisclosed consulting contract with Venezuela’s PDVSA. Public figures like Rubio and Congressman Pete Sessions were targeted in Rivera’s influence campaign. Prosecutor Roger Cruz highlighted their willingness to receive funds without regard to the source.
Trial evidence included encrypted chat messages from “MIA,” a group created by Rivera with Venezuelan media tycoon Raúl Gorrín. Code words were used to conceal their activities, with names like “bus driver” for Maduro and “melons” for millions of dollars.
Prosecutors claimed Rivera’s group attempted to cover up their involvement when scrutinized, using backdated documents and bogus agreements. One such agreement justified a $3.75 million transfer to a company maintaining Gorrín’s luxury yacht.
Rivera’s Defense
Rivera’s defense claimed he acted in good faith, arguing the consulting contract was for commercial work and did not require foreign-agent registration. His attorneys maintained that post-agreement meetings with Rubio and Sessions aimed at replacing Maduro with U.S.-friendly leadership.
During the trial, figures like Rubio and Sessions testified they were unaware of Rivera’s consulting agreement with PDVSA. Rivera served in Congress beginning in 2010, previously holding a senior role in the Florida Legislature and sharing a residence with Rubio when both were in state government.
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