Ponce mayor faces arrest on all charges filed by the PFEI

By The Star Staff

Judge Adria Cruz determined cause for arrest Tuesday on all charges against Ponce Mayor Luis Manuel Irizarry Pabón.

The Office of the Special Independent Prosecutor Panel (OPFEI by its Spanish initials) filed four charges against Irizarry Pabón. There are two charges of unjustified enrichment and two of violations of the Government Ethics Law.

The special independent prosecutor has been investigating Irizarry Pabón since April, following a recommendation from the Department of Justice. A report details possible violations of government and campaign finance laws.

The beginning of the case was based on an email sent to the comptroller of Puerto Rico alleging misuse of funds for campaign expenses and a “kickback” scheme by the mayor.

It was learned that $5,000 bail was imposed on each charge, which adds up to about $20,000.

“We have a lot of faith that we are going to prevail,” Irizarry Pabón’s lawyer, José Andreu Fuentes, said as he left the courtroom.