Anibal Acevedo Vila is the current governor of Puerto Rico. He has been under investigation by a United States Federal Grand Jury since late 2006 over potential campaign finance fraud. He was formally charged with 19 criminal counts in 2008, though he was not arrested. Five new charges were added on August 19, 2008, including four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.NY Daily News: Puerto Rico governor...5 new charges (August 20, 2008)
Federal Investigation
On March 28, 2008, Acevedo was charged with 19 criminal counts as a result of a campaign finance probe. The investigation began in 2006, and charges included conspiracy to violate U.S. federal campaign laws and giving false testimony to the FBI. Acting U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez said, "The governor will be permitted to turn himself in deference to his position."New York Times: Puerto Rican Governor Faces 19 Counts (March 27, 2008)
Party Cohorts
12 other officials from the Popular Democratic Party have also been indicted for conspiracy to illegally raise money to repay campaign debts from Acevedo's 2000 U.S. Congressional campaign.
References
Fast Facts
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Full name
Anibal Salvador Acevedo Vila
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Born
February 13, 1962 in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
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Political party
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8th Governor of Puerto Rico
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Assumed office
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Previously represented Puerto Rico in the U.S. House of Representatives
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Alma mater
University of Puerto Rico
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Earned a law degree from Harvard University
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Opposes Puerto Rican statehood
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Under investigation for campaign finance fraud since 2006
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Was not arrested
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