MIAMI — Deliberations are now underway Thursday 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.
Thursday marks their first full day of deliberations after the case was handed to them late Wednesday following closing arguments.
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.
During rebuttal arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Cruz told jurors they could use the superseding indictment as an outline to guide their deliberations and referenced the charging document multiple times.
“Of course Rubio trusted them,” Cruz said, arguing to the jury that Rubio was “used by these two to make money.”
He also urged the 12-person jury to review an interview between Rivera and former Local 10 reporter Michael Putney that was submitted into evidence, which prosecutors have described as a key part of their case.
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.
The prosecutor pushed back, telling jurors, “They wanted it for Exxon” — adding, “we agree — what we argue is the client was Nicolas Maduro.”
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.
“The facts in this case speaks volumes that these two defendants are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” Cruz said.
Jurors additionally heard from Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, who testified he was unaware Rivera’s consulting work was tied to any foreign government contract.
Cruz reiterated jurors could rely on the charging document, saying, “You can use the charging document” as a reference.
He closed by telling jurors: “Take your time, talk it over, but it is crystal clear” that the evidence stacks up against them.
Earlier Wednesday, the judge told both sides that a juror had indicated during selection that they would be unavailable from Thursday through Tuesday, requiring the first alternate to step in.
As a result, the 12-person jury chose to stop deliberations for the day, noting a new juror joined the panel Thursday.
If a verdict is not reached on Thursday, deliberations will continue into Friday.
Read Rivera’s indictment in the document below.
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