By The Star Staff
The Special Independent Prosecutor Panel (PFEI by its Spanish initials) announced Monday that the former judges who serve on the panel -- Rubén Vélez Torres, Ygri Rivera Sánchez and Aida Nieves Figueroa -- met in the morning to fill the vacancy in the presidency following the death of Nydia Cotto Vives.
As dictated by the provisions of Law 2-1988, the Law to Create the Office of the Special Independent Prosecutor Panel, the position of president is chosen through free selection among the qualified members that constitute the PFEI.
Accordingly, Rivera Sánchez was entrusted with occupying the presidency and directing the work of the institution. Rivera Sánchez thanked Vélez Torres for acting in an extraordinary manner as interim president at the time of Cotto Vives’ death late last week.
The PFEI adopted a resolution recognizing Cotto Vives for her dedication, and extended its condolences and solidarity to her family.
Rivera Sánchez was initially appointed as an alternate member of the PFEI, when Crisanta González Seda became president of the OPFEI. Subsequently, she was promoted by appointment of the governor, and confirmed by both legislative bodies, to full member on Nov. 14, 2018. She was sworn in five days later.
Rivera Sánchez has an extensive history in public service. She is and has been a member of various advisory committees of the Supreme Court. She also served as outside legal counsel to the Government Ethics Office and as a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Education Matters.
She also chaired the University of Puerto Rico board of trustees.
In the judicial branch, Rivera Sánchez dedicated almost 20 years of her life to the Court of First Instance in San Juan, where she spent over 12 years presiding over a criminal chamber. She later became a member of the Court of Appeals.
The selection of Rivera Sánchez as PFEI president does not require further action by La Fortaleza or the island Legislature.