Former Florida Rep. David Rivera Convicted of Secretly Lobbying for Venezuela

A federal jury in Miami convicted former U.S. Rep. The conviction stems from Rivera's work in 2017 to influence U.S. Prosecutors said Rivera acted as an unregistered foreign agent and conspired in money laundering and tax evasion.

The five-week trial included testimony from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described a 2017 meeting where Rivera discussed a plan to encourage Maduro to step down. Rubio, a former roommate and longtime friend of Rivera, testified that he used insights from Rivera in a Senate speech signaling no U.S. retaliation against Venezuelan insiders aiding Maduro's removal.

“He provided me with insight into some of the key phrases that regime insiders would’ve wanted to hear to know this was serious. No vengeance, no retribution.”

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, and a Washington lobbyist also testified, expressing shock upon learning of Rivera's contract. Prosecutors alleged Rivera and associate Esther Nuhfer attempted to arrange U.S. meetings for then-Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez, now Venezuela's acting president.

Rivera served in the House from 2011 to 2013 and previously in Florida's legislature. His defense argued the work focused on legitimate commercial and democracy-promotion efforts.

Following the verdict, the judge ordered Rivera taken into custody, revoking his bond. He had denied wrongdoing throughout the case. The Justice Department indicted Rivera in 2022, stating the efforts aimed to garner U.S. political support for improved relations.

Rivera faces additional federal charges in a related foreign lobbying case in Washington, D.C. Nuhfer was also convicted in the Miami trial. The case highlighted Rivera's use of congressional connections, including with Rubio and Sessions, to advance the lobbying goals.

The contract involved easing U.S. sanctions on Venezuela during Maduro's tenure. Prosecutors detailed how Rivera manipulated influential friends from his time in Congress. Rubio testified about co-owning a house with Rivera in the past and their interactions while Rubio was in the Senate.

The trial revealed belated discoveries by witnesses about the PDVSA affiliate deal. The conviction marks a significant outcome in efforts to address unregistered foreign influence in U.S. politics.