MIAMI — After former Republican South Florida U.S. Rep. David Rivera was convicted of secretly lobbying for Venezuela, prominent members of the South Florida community, including Miami-Dade’s supervisor of elections and former Florida International University presidents, are offering to help him post his $7 million bond.

According to federal court documents, the group is planning to use their money and homes as collateral.

Some of the names include Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, former Florida State Rep. Manuel Prieguez, and Monsignor Wilfredo Pena Moredo, a Catholic priest of 52 years.

Former FIU presidents Modesto “Mitch” Maidique and Mark Rosenberg are also among those offering help, along with Yvonne Soler McKinley, the former city manager of Doral and South Miami.

This comes as a jury convicted Rivera and political consultant Esther Nuhfer of illegally lobbying for the Venezuelan government.

The two were also convicted of failing to register as foreign agents and conspiring to commit money laundering involving a consulting contract with $50 million.

The jury found prosecutors proved the pair conspired to enrich themselves by trying to help Nicolas Maduro’s regime normalize U.S.-Venezuela relations.

Court documents:

David Rivera Doc on Bail by Chris Gothner

Prominent figures offer to cover convicted former Rep. David Rivera’s $7 million bond

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