Former Florida Congressman David Rivera Convicted in Venezuela Lobbying Case

A Miami federal jury convicted former Florida congressman David Rivera and his associate Esther Nuhfer on all counts in a case involving secret lobbying for Venezuela's government. The convictions include failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Prosecutors alleged the pair received a $50 million contract to influence U.S. officials and ease sanctions on Venezuela. Rivera, a Republican, served in Congress from 2011 to 2013. He was ordered into custody after the verdict due to flight risk concerns, including access to funds and pending charges in Washington, D.C. The seven-week trial featured testimony from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Texas Congressman Pete Sessions, and others who said they were unaware of Rivera's contract.

The goal was to normalize relations and reduce sanctions amid human rights violation accusations against the Maduro government. ' The contract was with a U.S.-based affiliate of Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA. Prosecutors claimed it served as cover for illegal lobbying, including arranging meetings for Rodriguez in New York, Caracas, Washington, and Dallas.

They accused the defendants of manipulating figures like Rubio and Sessions to facilitate outreach, including attempts to meet ExxonMobil's CEO.

“As long as the money kept coming in, they didn’t care from where." — Prosecutor Roger Cruz, during closing arguments (Military.com). Sessions reportedly met with Maduro in Caracas and agreed to deliver a letter to U.S. officials. However, the efforts failed, leading to increased sanctions on Maduro, whom the administration later labeled a dictator. Nearly a decade later, Rodriguez has become a partner with the current administration following the U.S. military's ousting of Maduro.”

Defense attorneys argued that Rivera and Nuhfer believed their work was exempt from registration requirements. They described the contract as focused on commercial efforts to bring ExxonMobil back to Venezuela, separate from political meetings. Attorney Ed Shohat stated Rivera aimed to remove Maduro from power.

“He was working every possible angle to get Nicolás Maduro out." — Defense attorney Ed Shohat, during closing arguments (Military.com). Nuhfer's attorney, David Oscar Markus, compared the prosecution to the Salem witch trials, asserting lack of evidence for ill intent. The defense claimed meetings with Rubio and Sessions occurred after the contract expired and focused on changing Venezuelan leadership. Rivera has faced prior controversies, including allegations of funding a spoiler candidate in a 2012 race, though charges were dropped last year. He was also investigated for campaign finance violations and a gambling company contract while in the Florida legislature, but never charged.”

The case exposed Miami's position as a hub for foreign influence in U.S. Latin America policy. It involved Venezuelan media tycoon Raul Gorrin, charged in the U.S. with bribery. Prosecutors alleged Rivera set up an encrypted chat group with Gorrin to discuss activities.

The trial included evidence of backdated documents and sham agreements to conceal payments, such as a $3.75 million wire transfer linked to Gorrin's yacht. Judge Melissa Damian presided over the case, which stemmed from a 2022 indictment. Sources differ slightly on the contract's focus: prosecutors emphasized political lobbying, while the defense highlighted commercial aspects.

All sources agree on the conviction and the $50 million figure. The outcome underscores ongoing scrutiny of foreign agent registration laws. Rivera faces potential lengthy prison time, with additional federal charges pending.