SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) 鈥� The administration of Puerto Rico is mired in a new political crisis, with allegations of public corruption, government interference and conflicts of interest.
Gonz谩lez’s chief of staff Francisco Domenech is the latest to be ensnared in a high-profile investigation, of Puerto Rico鈥檚 economic development chief Sebasti谩n Negr贸n, who accused the administration of interfering with the agency’s work. More than 10 other officials 鈥� including the chief of staff, general counsel and finance chief 鈥� also resigned from the agency as it tries to lure new investors to an island struggling with chronic and other issues.
Domenech, who maintains a high profile in his role, also serves as executive director of Puerto Rico鈥檚 Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority.
On Wednesday, Domenech submitted sworn statements against Negr贸n to Puerto Rico鈥檚 Department of Justice and its Office of Government Ethics, alleging corruption and conflicts of interest. On Thursday, he justified his actions in an interview with WIPR, a government TV station.
Domenech said he only took action this week because it took time to compile what he says is evidence against Negr贸n, whom the governor has described as 鈥渁 star鈥� as she lamented his resignation in late May.
The allegations against Domenech, which are being investigated by an independent state agency, have caught the attention of U.S. Congress, with federal lawmakers questioning the governor about them on Wednesday.
鈥淗ow can Congress be assured that federal funds sent to Puerto Rico aren鈥檛 being misused or misplaced?鈥� asked Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah during a committee hearing.
Gonz谩lez said there is strict oversight involving federal funds, adding that the allegations against Domenech are false. When Lee asked her why Negr贸n would accuse Domenech, she responded, 鈥淚 don’t know what political motivations he may have.鈥�
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, a member of the governor鈥檚 pro-statehood party, called Wednesday for Domenech鈥檚 resignation. On Thursday, Rivera Schatz offered legislative immunity to Domenech and anyone else 鈥渋f they confess their crimes and produce results that eradicate corruption.鈥�
Domenech鈥檚 interview marked his first public comments since Negr贸n accused him of irregularities related to contract processing and undue government interference. Negr贸n also referred to the Justice Department and its Office of Government Ethics the findings of an internal investigation led by the economic development agency against two government officials, who are accused of interfering in the process for an auction of a contract involving federal funds.
Domenech鈥檚 submitted his sworn statements after alleged private text messages between him and Negr贸n were made public earlier this week, roiling the U.S. territory. Some of the alleged messages reflect pressure to find positions within the economic development agency for hard-core loyalists of Gonz谩lez who worked on her campaign. Domenech also alleged that Negr贸n knew he was being investigated.
In a statement issued Thursday, Negr贸n called Domenech鈥檚 allegations against him false.
鈥淭he most troubling aspect of what happened today is not the attack against me personally, but the message it sends to every public servant who witnesses irregularities and decides to report them,鈥� Negr贸n said.
He also asserted that companies who have invested in Puerto Rico have been dragged into the scandal.
鈥淧uerto Rico needs to strengthen the confidence of those who invest, produce, and generate opportunities, not turn them into collateral damage in personal or political disputes or vendettas,鈥� Negr贸n said.
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