Puerto Rico approves Acevedo candidacy

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 28 (UPI) -- Puerto Rican Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila was approved for re-election despite facing charges in an investigation of alleged corruption.

Acevedo's Popular Democratic Party approved his candidacy for November elections, El Nuevo Dia reported Monday.

Last month, the Puerto Rican leader was charged with conspiracy, making false statements, wire fraud, federal program fraud and tax crimes. The alleged crimes were related to financing of his 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 campaign for resident commissioner of the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and his subsequent 2004 gubernatorial campaign.

Acevedo and co-defendant Luisa Inclan Bird, his legal adviser, allegedly solicited and accepted illegal campaign donations from Acevedo's family and staff, allegations they deny.