FBI arrests Puerto Rico judge in corruption case
May 29, 2014 8:06 PM
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — FBI agents on Thursday arrested a Puerto Rico Superior Court judge suspected of accepting bribes in exchange for acquitting a man charged in a fatal drunk-driving case.
Manuel Acevedo Hernandez, 62, was detained at his home in the northwestern coastal town of Aguadilla. He had previously been suspended when the federal investigation began.
Also charged in the case is certified public accountant Lutgardo Acevedo Lopez, 39, who was acquitted last year on charges including vehicular homicide. He had been arrested on suspicion of hitting another car in June 2012 and killing a security guard.
Acevedo Lopez is now charged with using intermediaries to pay $3,200 worth of taxes owed by the judge as well as pay for the renovation of the judge's garage and buy him a $1,200 motorcycle, clothing, a watch and other items.
The indictment also charges that the judge agreed to acquit Acevedo Lopez in exchange for help in being promoted to appellate judge and to find employment for two of relatives.
"In my 35 years of experience, I've never seen anything like this," U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez said.
She said federal authorities are in touch with Acevedo Lopez's attorney, noting that the businessman is in the U.S. and has not yet been arrested.
The judge pleaded not guilty and received a $50,000 bail that he was expected to soon post.
Rodriguez said the investigation is continuing.
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