Former GOP Rep. Rivera sentenced to 10 years for undisclosed Venezuela lobbying

Rivera served from 2011 to 2013 and represented much of the north Miami area. He previously served in the state House of Representatives.

Published: October 2, 2026 2:46pm

Former Rep. David Rivera, a Republican, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison in connection with an undisclosed $50 million lobbying effort on Venezuela's behalf. 

Rivera was convicted in May for his role in the scheme. Prosecutors had alleged that Rivera took money from now-acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez to lobby the Trump administration, during its first term, to soften its position on Caracas.  

A jury found Rivera guilty on all counts, following a seven-week trial. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, both provided testimony.

He has been jailed since his conviction, the Associated Press reported. 

Rivera served from 2011 to 2013 and represented much of the north Miami area. He previously served in the state House of Representatives.

 

 

 

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