Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila turned himself in to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in San Juan on Friday, a day after officials charged him in a 19-count indictment that includes allegations of fraudulent campaign financing activity. He was released without bail.
The first-time governor, who is seeking reelection this November, could face up to 20 years in prison if he is found guilty of the crimes. FBI and U.S. Justice Department officials say Acevedo Vila solicited and accepted illegal conduit contributions, which are donations made by one person in the name of another person, and withheld contribution figures from officials in an attempt to use funds beyond campaign financing limits.
The governor, a member of the Popular Democratic Party, has denied the charges.
There were rumors last week the Legislature could move to impeach Acevedo Vila, but Senate President Kenneth McClintock said lawmakers will continue with government business, including passing the $9.48 billion budget for fiscal 2009, which begins July 1.
