SIPs appointed to probe ex-permits management officials

Former Permits Management Office Assistant Secretary Norberto Almodóvar Vélez

By THE STAR STAFF

The Office of the Special Independent Prosecutor Panel (OPFEI by its initials in Spanish) has appointed two independent prosecutors to investigate former Permits Management Office (OGPe) officials Norberto Almodóvar Vélez and Charlene Neuman Rivera, following a referral from the Department of Justice and the submission of additional information by a former Cabinet official.

The information was made public Thursday. 

The panel’s decision came after an extensive review of Law 2‑1988, which outlines the OPFEI’s investigative authority. Judges on the panel assigned prosecutors Fabiola Acarón Porrata‑Doria and Ileana Agudo Calderón to lead the inquiry into potential illegal conduct tied to the officials’ actions while at OGPe.

The matter originated with a complaint filed by Sebastián Negrón Reichard, former secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. Negrón accused the former OGPe officials of improper intervention in agency operations. The Department of Justice, through its Public Integrity and Comptroller Affairs Division (DIPAC), conducted the preliminary investigation and recommended the appointment of an independent prosecutor.

According to DIPAC’s findings, there is sufficient cause to believe that Almodóvar may have violated Article 254 of the Puerto Rico Penal Code, which addresses undue intervention in governmental operations, as well as Article 261, which concerns undue influence. The agency also cited potential violations of Articles 4.2(b), 4.2(f), and 4.2(s) of the Government Ethics Office Organic Act. In Neuman’s case, investigators identified evidence warranting further review regarding possible violations of Article 254 and Articles 4.2(b) and 4.2(s) of the ethics law.

While the OPFEI was evaluating the referral, Negrón submitted a letter with attachments containing additional information related to the same allegations. Although the document was incorrectly labeled as a new complaint, the panel determined that it constituted supplemental evidence tied to the original referral and could be incorporated into the ongoing investigation. The prosecutors were instructed to review the new material and take sworn statements as necessary.

The panel also authorized the independent prosecutors to pursue potential violations by any other public official who may have participated in the alleged conduct. Under Law 2‑1988, they have 90 days to complete the investigation and determine whether criminal charges should be filed.

The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of Puerto Rico’s permitting and economic development agencies, which have faced repeated questions about transparency, ethics, and the integrity of government operations.