Former Republican Congressman David Rivera will remain in federal custody while awaiting sentencing after a federal judge rejected his request for bail, considering that he is a flight risk following his recent conviction in a case related to covert lobbying activities in favor of the Venezuelan government.

Federal Judge Melissa Damian determined this Thursday that Rivera, 60, failed to convincingly demonstrate that he would comply with the necessary conditions to remain free while awaiting the sentencing hearing scheduled for July 20. The decision represents a setback for the former Florida legislator, who sought to regain his freedom through a bail proposal supported by several political leaders, businessmen and influential figures in the south of the state.

Some of the signatories even offered to pledge personal assets and property as collateral for bail estimated at $7 million. However, the magistrate concluded that the letters of support presented by community members were not sufficient to allay concerns raised by the prosecution regarding a possible attempt to evade justice.

“Rivera has not met his burden of demonstrating through clear and convincing evidence that he does not represent a flight risk,” Damian said in his judicial resolution.

Prosecutor's Office highlights links and assets abroad

During the process, federal prosecutors argued that Rivera maintains important international connections and has assets outside the United States, factors that increase the risk that he will leave the country before knowing his sentence. The judge agreed that the international activities attributed to the former congressman should be considered when evaluating his request for provisional release.

Rivera was found guilty in May along with political consultant Esther Nuhfer. Both were found responsible for participating in a scheme aimed at carrying out lobbying activities in favor of the Venezuelan government without complying with the legal requirements established by the US authorities.

The jury concluded that the defendants conspired to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), in addition to committing crimes related to money laundering and financial transactions related to resources obtained through illicit activities.

According to the federal indictment, Rivera promoted the interests of Nicolás Maduro's government in the United States and attempted to influence Washington's foreign policy decisions related to Venezuela.

Case generated national attention

The trial attracted attention beyond South Florida due to the witness participation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has had a long-standing friendship with Rivera since their time in the Florida House of Representatives.

In addition to the sentencing scheduled for July, the former congressman's legal problems could be prolonged. Court documents indicate that the judge set for October 19 the start of another jury trial related to additional charges that Rivera will face and that are linked to the same federal investigation.

The current conviction could lead to a sentence of up to ten years in federal prison, although the final sentence will depend on the evaluation made by the court during the hearing scheduled for next month.

Meanwhile, Rivera will remain detained in a federal facility, waiting to learn the punishment he will face for one of the most notorious foreign lobbying cases involving a former member of the United States Congress in recent years.