Puerto Rico Governor Denies Vote-Buying Scheme Allegations

Governor Jenniffer González Colón has vehemently denied accusations of involvement in a corrupt scheme to exchange drugs for votes from incarcerated individuals, as reported by the U.S. outlet ProPublica. The report alleges that leaders of the 'Los Tiburones' gang facilitated such exchanges, specifically for González Colón's campaign. This is a serious charge that strikes at the heart of democratic integrity and the governor's reputation.

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Rechazo toda alegación que se me pretenda imputar sobre actos contra la ley, como la publicación difamatoria en un medio nacional sobre alegados esquemas durante el pasado cuatrienio y que ahora se quiera adjudicar a mi campaña. Esto es un intento de aquellos que quieren mancillar mi reputación y no lo conseguirán.

ProPublica's report, citing four sources with knowledge of the matter, suggests that investigators had gathered substantial evidence of electoral fraud involving inmates and prison staff. The investigation was reportedly looking into whether González Colón or her campaign were implicated. Furthermore, the report claims that a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into alleged drug-for-vote schemes in Puerto Rican prisons was halted after Donald Trump's election.

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las alegaciones de intervenciones indebidas que se señalan en el reportaje son completamente falsas.

González Colón has dismissed these claims as "completely false," asserting that any federal investigation must predate her administration. She emphasized her career-long fight against corruption and her commitment to democratic processes. The governor pointed to the primary election results, where correctional facility voters overwhelmingly supported her opponent, Pedro Pierluisi, as evidence against the allegations. She also noted her rejection of a request to retain the then-Secretary of Correction, Ana Escobar, further demonstrating her stance against potential impropriety.

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Durante mi carrera y en mis campañas políticas hemos combatido la corrupción, actuado en contra de ella y presentado iniciativas para combatirlas y sobre todo hemos respetado los procesos democráticos.

From our perspective at ABC Color, while we report on these serious allegations, it is crucial to present the governor's strong denial and the context she provides. The timing of this report, especially concerning alleged federal investigations being halted, raises questions. The governor's defense, highlighting her electoral results and anti-corruption stance, offers a counter-narrative that deserves equal attention. The situation underscores the complex political landscape of Puerto Rico and the intense scrutiny faced by its leaders, particularly when allegations intersect with U.S. federal investigations and political figures like Donald Trump.

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La mejor evidencia es que durante la primaria electoral del 2024, la población correccional votó abrumadoramente en contra de esta servidora y a favor del exgobernador Pedro Pierluisi.