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USA v. Alliegro

On Behalf of | Aug 23, 2023 | Firm News |

An associate of former U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Fla., has pleaded not guilty to four campaign finance violations involving alleged illegal contributions to a previously unknown candidate.

Ana Alliegro’s attorney, Mauricio Padilla, entered the plea Monday on her behalf.

Padilla also said Alliegro would not seek bond, which is opposed by prosecutors who claim she is a flight risk.

An indictment charges that Alliegro illegally funneled more than $80,000 to the 2012 primary campaign of Democrat Justin Lamar Sternad, a political novice who pleaded guilty last year to federal campaign violations.

The investigation centers on allegations that Rivera was using Sternad to weaken his Democratic rival and eventual winner, U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia.

Alliegro returned to South Florida on Friday after she was arrested in Nicaragua, where she fled to avoid facing charges.

Padilla did not say if his client was prepared to share information with the government.

Rivera has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.