David Rivera sentenced to 10 years in Venezuela lobbying case
Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera was convicted on federal charges stemming from a secret lobbying campaign tied to the Venezuelan government.
Former U.S. Congressman David Rivera was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on Friday for his involvement in a secretive $50 million lobbying campaign on behalf of Venezuela during the Trump administration. Rivera, a former Florida congressperson and close friend of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, faced a maximum sentence of 60 years and potential asset forfeiture of up to $20 million.
He was convicted along with political consultant Esther Nuhfer of multiple federal charges, including failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The scheme allegedly involved secret meetings and communications to influence U.S. policy towards Venezuela and the Trump administration, while concealing the arrangement from the public. Rivera's properties in Florida were ordered forfeited to the government.
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