Puerto Rico chief of staff faces corruption allegations, deepening political crisis
9 reported2 unconfirmed
A political crisis in Puerto Rico is widening as Governor Jenniffer González’s chief of staff, Francisco Domenech, faces allegations of public corruption, government interference, and conflicts of interest. The controversy follows the resignation last month of economic development chief Sebastián Negrón, who accused the administration of interfering with his agency’s work. Domenech, who also serves as executive director of Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, submitted sworn statements against Negrón on Wednesday, alleging corruption and conflicts of interest. The allegations against Domenech are being investigated by an independent state agency and have drawn attention from the U.S. Congress, with federal lawmakers questioning the governor about them. Governor González has called the allegations false. Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, a member of the governor’s pro-statehood party, called for Domenech’s resignation on Wednesday and offered legislative immunity to Domenech and others “if they confess their crimes and produce results that eradicate corruption.” Negrón, in a statement Thursday, called Domenech’s allegations against him false and warned that the scandal could damage investor confidence in Puerto Rico.
What’s reported
Governor Jenniffer González’s administration is facing a political crisis involving allegations of public corruption, government interference, and conflicts of interest.
Chief of staff Francisco Domenech is the latest official ensnared in a high-profile investigation.
Economic development chief Sebastián Negrón resigned last month, accusing the administration of interfering with his agency’s work.
More than 10 other officials, including the chief of staff, general counsel, and finance chief, resigned from the economic development agency.
Domenech submitted sworn statements against Negrón on Wednesday to Puerto Rico’s Department of Justice and its Office of Government Ethics, alleging corruption and conflicts of interest.
Domenech justified his actions in an interview with government TV station WIPR on Thursday, saying it took time to compile evidence.
Alleged private text messages between Domenech and Negrón were made public earlier this week, reflecting pressure to find positions for hard-core loyalists of González who worked on her campaign.
Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz called for Domenech’s resignation on Wednesday and offered legislative immunity to Domenech and others “if they confess their crimes and produce results that eradicate corruption.”
Negrón called Domenech’s allegations against him false and said the scandal could harm investor confidence.
Open questions
The specific evidence Domenech claims to have against Negrón is not detailed in the article.
The outcome of the independent state agency’s investigation into Domenech is not reported.
Key figures
Jenniffer González, Governor of Puerto Rico
Francisco Domenech, chief of staff to Governor González and executive director of Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority
Sebastián Negrón, former economic development chief of Puerto Rico
Thomas Rivera Schatz, Puerto Rico Senate President
Sources: abcnews.com
