Story perspectives

David Rivera Gets 10-Year Prison Sentence for Secret Lobbying

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 10:33 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Former U.S. Congressman David Rivera received a ten-year prison sentence for secret Venezuelan lobbying.
Judge Melissa Damian sentenced him in Miami federal court on October 2, 2026.
He was convicted of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act and money-laundering conspiracy.
Prosecutors said his firm earned a $50 million PDVSA contract and a $20 million U.S. subsidiary payment.
Lawyers claimed the work was commercial, exempt from FARA, and sought a presidential pardon.

1 of 1

Story summary

Former U.S. Congressman David Rivera received a ten-year prison sentence for secret Venezuelan lobbying.
Judge Melissa Damian sentenced him in Miami federal court on October 2, 2026.
He was convicted of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act and money-laundering conspiracy.
Prosecutors said his firm earned a $50 million PDVSA contract and a $20 million U.S. subsidiary payment.
Lawyers claimed the work was commercial, exempt from FARA, and sought a presidential pardon.