{"id":2702,"date":"2026-06-19T04:08:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T04:08:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southfloridamovingguides.com\/?p=2702"},"modified":"2026-06-19T04:08:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T04:08:32","slug":"judge-denies-bail-for-ex-rep-david-rivera-convicted-in-venezuela-lobbying-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southfloridamovingguides.com\/?p=2702","title":{"rendered":"Judge denies bail for ex-Rep. David Rivera, convicted in Venezuela lobbying case"},"content":{"rendered":"
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MIAMI \u2014 Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera, convicted in a secret Venezuela lobbying case in May, will not get bond ahead of his sentencing date, a Miami federal judge ruled on Thursday.<\/p>\n

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Leer en espa\u00f1ol<\/p>\n

That\u2019s despite several prominent South Florida figures, including current and former elected officials, willing to put their money and even homes on the line to help cover a proposed $7 million bond.<\/p>\n

U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian wrote in her ruling that the 60-year-old \u201chas not met his burden by clear and convincing evidence that he is not a flight risk if released pending sentencing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Damian wrote in the order that \u201call the letters submitted by reputable members of the South Florida community\u201d were not enough to satisfy \u201chis burden of showing by clear and convincing evidence that he does not pose a serious risk of non-appearance if released pending his sentencing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prosecutors had argued that Rivera has significant foreign ties and assets, making him a threat to flee before his sentencing on July 20.<\/p>\n

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He\u2019s now set to remain locked up, facing the possibility of a decade in federal prison.<\/p>\n

Rivera was convicted alongside political consultant Esther Nuhfer of illegally lobbying for the Venezuelan government.<\/p>\n

The two were also convicted of failing to register as foreign agents and conspiring to commit money laundering involving a consulting contract with $50 million.<\/p>\n

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Read the ruling:<\/b><\/p>\n