Thursday, April 08, 2004

In the latest turn of events regarding corruption scandals, three former New Progressive Party (NPP) members were indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday for participating in a bribery scheme involving Superaqueduct contractors during the past administration.

FBI Interim Director Stanley Borgia announced the indictment and arrest of former NPP Secretary General Marcos Morell and Rene Vazquez Botet, former campaign director of NPP gubernatorial candidate Pedro Rossello.

They were both accused of extorting $2 million from Superaqueduct contractors.

Meanwhile, former NPP Rep. Jose Granados Navedo—who is cooperating with the federal investigation—pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme, which was perpetrated from 1995 to 2001.

They all face 13 counts of conspiracy, extortion, and fraud. Federal authorities said the conspirators asked for 2% of the $370 million superaqueduct project.

Vazquez Botet is accused of accepting $300,000 from private contractors. Morell allegedly received $125,000, and Granados Navedo $150,000.

Vazquez Botet and Morell pleaded not guilty and were released after posting $100,000 bail. U.S. District Court Judge Juan Perez Gimenez will hear the case.

Upon his exit from the federal building, Vazquez Botet assured the press that he is innocent and asked everyone for space in order to prepare for the case.

"I am completely innocent of what I have been accused of today. The people of Puerto Rico will see in the end that Vazquez Botet is innocent," he said as he rapidly walked away from the media.

Federal authorities emphasized that the accused are innocent until proven guilty. They also said the indictments are part of an ongoing investigation.

Although they were not specific, the authorities said part of the extorted money reached the coffers of a political party. Nevertheless, they were quick to state that the investigation has no political undertones.

"The indictment alleges that money was directed for various purposes beneficial to the conspirators and in some cases that involved donations to a political party," Borgia said.

"Just so we are clear, this is not about a political party, it is not about politics. It is about people using their provision to benefit personally. This is not a charge against the political party itself," Borgia added.

Morell also said he is innocent.

"I have nothing to do with Granados Navedo. I have never met with him or any contractor to discuss anything about the superaqueduct," said Morell upon his exit from the federal building.

Morell also said he is convinced that the [pro-Commonwealth] Popular Democratic Party is behind the federal investigation.

He added that he hoped the gubernatorial campaign of NPP President Pedro Rossello would not be thwarted by these indictments.

If convicted, federal authorities said Vazquez Botet faces 100 years in prison and $2 million in fines. Morell faces 110 years in prison and $2.5 million in fines. Granados Navedo faces up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines.