Former U.S. Representative David Rivera received a 10-year federal prison sentence on Friday for his role in a concealed $50 million lobbying campaign for the Venezuelan government during the Trump administration. Sentenced in Downtown Miami federal court, Rivera was convicted in May after a seven-week trial.
Rivera had been held in federal custody without bond since the guilty verdict on May 1. His sentencing, initially set for July 20, was rescheduled to October 2. Rivera faced a maximum possible sentence of 60 years and a potential $20 million asset forfeiture.
Community Betrayal Highlighted by Officials
Federal officials criticized Rivera, characterizing his actions as a betrayal of the South Florida community he once represented. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones stated, “He sold his reputation to fill his greed.” Reding Quiñones emphasized that communism for many families in South Florida is associated with personal suffering and loss rather than abstract concepts.
Brett Skiles from the FBI remarked on the consequences of illegally operating on behalf of a foreign government. Charles Miller of IRS Criminal Investigation added that positions or connections do not shield individuals from prosecution.
Convictions and Actions
Jurors convicted Rivera and political consultant Esther Nuhfer on charges including failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors accused Rivera and Nuhfer of secretly working for Nicolás Maduro’s government through a contract with Rivera’s company.
The jury concluded that Rivera’s properties in Doral and the Florida Keys would be forfeited to the government.
Influencing U.S. Policy
In an 11-count indictment, prosecutors claimed Rivera was recruited by Venezuela’s then-Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez to use his Republican connections to shift U.S. policy. Prosecutors asserted that Rivera aimed to influence figures like Marco Rubio and Pete Sessions without revealing his consultancy with a PDVSA affiliate.
Evidence revealed encrypted chats with code words indicating a covert operation, exposing their secrecy and attempts to influence without public disclosure.
Defense Arguments
Rivera’s defense contended he acted in good faith, believing disclosure was unnecessary under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Attorneys argued his contract aimed to restore ExxonMobil to Venezuela, exempt from registration.
They further argued his meetings with Rubio and Sessions aimed to replace Maduro with U.S.-friendly leaders. The defense cited lack of evidence in chats about normalizing relations.
The trial involved testimonies from Rubio, Sessions, and a prominent Washington lobbyist, revealing later awareness of Rivera’s contract.
David Rivera served one term in Congress after 2010 election and had a senior role in the Florida Legislature. He shared a home with Rubio in Tallahassee when both served in state government.