District Court orders David Rivera to pay $456K fine after campaign contribution violation

A U.S. District Court says former GOP Rep. David Rivera must pay a $456,000 fine after the Federal Election Commission accused him of engaging in an illegal campaign contribution scheme during his 2012 congressional bid.

That cycle, Rivera was defending his seat against Democratic candidate Joe Garcia. The FEC alleged Rivera funneled at least $69,000 to Justin Lamar Sternad, a Democratic primary opponent challenging Garcia for the nomination. Sternad attempted to pass off the donations as loans from his personal bankroll.

While those donations may have been made in an effort to weaken Garcia ahead of the General Election, it failed. Garcia went on to oust Rivera in November 2012.

Rivera has denied breaking the law and he avoided criminal charges. The FEC alleged Rivera worked with an associate, Ana Sol Alliegro, to funnel the cash to Sternad.

Read more: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/406534-court-rivera-456k-fine