Panel assigns special independent prosecutor to probe ex-SEC acting chair

By THE STAR STAFF

The Office of the Special Independent Prosecutor Panel (OPFEI by its initials in Spanish) has accepted a recommendation from Justice Secretary Lourdes Gómez Torres to appoint a special independent prosecutor to investigate alleged misconduct related to a bonus given to workers by Jessika Padilla Rivera, who served as acting chairwoman of the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission (SEC).

The preliminary inquiry began after the Office of Management and Budget filed a referral on May 29, 2025, raising concerns about possible misuse of public funds at the agency. The referral cited a one‑time bonus paid in April 2025 to 65 exempt employees. The probe also incorporated findings from a report prepared by the Office of the Inspector General. The bonus was paid by Padilla Rivera, before she left the SEC, without consulting the other electoral commissioners or obtaining the approval of the Financial Oversight and Management Board.

According to the OPFEI, the case was evaluated under the Puerto Rico Penal Code, the Government Ethics Act, and the statutes governing the panel’s procedures. Investigators concluded that there is sufficient cause to believe that Padilla Rivera may have engaged in conduct that could constitute embezzlement of public funds as well as actions prohibited under the ethics law.

Following that determination, the Justice Department sent its preliminary report to OPFEI and formally recommended the appointment of a special independent prosecutor to handle the matter. With the case now under review by the panel, officials said no further public comments will be issued.