MIAMI — Closing arguments continued Wednesday in a federal trial involving former Republican U.S. Rep. David Rivera, who authorities say is accused of secretly lobbying on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government without registering as a foreign agent.
The case, now in its fifth week in federal court in downtown Miami, stems from alleged conduct dating back to 2017.
Prosecutors are expected to complete their arguments by the end of the day, after which the case could be turned over to the jury.
Rivera and co-defendant Esther Nuhfer are accused of failing to register under federal foreign agent laws.
Prosecutors allege the pair conspired to profit by using political connections to advance efforts tied to Venezuela’s government, including attempts to normalize relations between Caracas and Washington.
According to prosecutors, Rivera and Nuhfer engaged in undisclosed lobbying activities that benefited Maduro’s administration while avoiding required disclosure under U.S. law.
Defense attorneys counter that the work at issue was commercial in nature and did not require registration.
They argue the arrangement involved a U.S.-based company connected to Venezuela’s oil sector and was focused on business opportunities rather than political advocacy.
Exxon and Venezuela had a major legal battle after Maduro’s predecessor, former President Hugo Chávez, seized the company’s assets, according to the Miami Herald.
Attorneys for Nuhfer told jurors there is no evidence she acted in bad faith, asking during closing arguments, “Why did they charge her in the first place?” They argued that if jurors cannot answer that question, they should return a not guilty verdict.
The jury of 12 also heard testimony from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said he had no knowledge Rivera was lobbying on behalf of the Venezuelan government when they met in 2017.
Jurors additionally heard from Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, who testified he was unaware Rivera’s consulting work was tied to any foreign government contract.
Read Rivera’s indictment in the document below.
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