SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Jorge De Castro Font, a former Puerto Rican senator, pleaded guilty Wednesday to 21 counts in the corruption case brought against him by U.S. prosecutors.
De Castro Font, 45, admitted in U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico that from January 2005 through August 2008, he directly and indirectly solicited from individuals about $500,000 to $525,000 in cash payments and other benefits, such as campaign contributions in excess of the legal limits, lodging, private flights and meals.
De Castro Font admitted engaging in official acts on behalf of some of these individuals such as proposing legislation, preventing legislative projects to be voted or acted upon, and persuading other legislators to vote for or against legislation.
De Castro Font also admitted to taking part in a conspiracy to obtain cash and other benefits from five individuals who felt he could use his official position to harm their financial interests, the U.S. Justice Department said.
The former lawmaker, who was indicted last October, pleaded guilty to 20 counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, the U.S. attorney's office said. Sentencing is set for April 23.
Last month, Alberto Goachet, a political consultant and aide to De Castro Font, pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy to launder illegal campaign contributions and other payments.
