Democratic primary

Sentencing for Ex-Rep. David Rivera's Close Associate Ana Alliegro

A former close associate of Republican ex-U.S. Rep. David Rivera was sentenced to time served and six months of home confinement after pleading guilty to violating federal campaign finance laws.

Ana Alliegro admitted last month that she helped illegally funnel about $80,000 to a previously unknown candidate in the 2012 Democratic primary for the 26th District House seat. Alliegro also implicated Rivera, but he has not been charged and denies wrongdoing.

At Wednesday's sentencing hearing, Alliegro apologized for "tainting the system" before the sentence was handed down.

"I think that a lot of people do things wrong and we get so used to it, we don't really realize what we're doing," she told NBC 6's Steve Litz as she left federal custody. "Two wrongs don't make a right and I did taint the system and I'm not very happy that I did that."

Alliegro said she wasn't sure if she would ever return to politics, but she hoped to educate others.

"I would tell anybody involved with politics not to make this mistake, to do things right because the voters deserve better," she said.

Alliegro declined to comment on her relationship with Rivera or the ongoing federal investigation.

The four counts against Alliegro each carried maximum five-year prison terms. Alliegro has been in custody since her arrest in Nicaragua in March.

"I am relieved," Alliegro said about being released. "I'm very emotional."

Prosecutors say the goal was for candidate Justin Sternad to smear Democrat Joe Garcia in the primary, weakening him for the general election against Rivera. Garcia won the House seat and is now running for re-election against Republican Carlos Curbelo.

Sternad received a seven-month sentence after pleading guilty.

As for Alliegro's connections with Rivera, "I can't comment on anything having to do with Mr. Rivera."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us