SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico’s government is facing mounting political pressure as allegations of corruption, government interference and conflicts of interest draw increased scrutiny toward senior officials in the administration of Gov. Jenniffer González.
At the center of the latest controversy is Francisco Domenech, the governor’s chief of staff and executive director of Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority. The allegations come amid broader upheaval within the island’s economic development agency following a series of high-profile resignations.
The controversy follows the departure of former economic development chief Sebastián Negrón in May. Negrón alleged that members of the administration interfered with the agency’s work. More than 10 other officials, including senior executives and legal advisers, also resigned from the agency during the same period.
Competing Allegations Intensify Dispute
On Wednesday, Domenech submitted sworn statements to Puerto Rico’s Department of Justice and Office of Government Ethics alleging corruption and conflicts of interest involving Negrón.
Speaking Thursday in an interview with government television station WIPR, Domenech said he delayed filing the complaints because he needed time to gather what he described as evidence.
Gov. González previously praised Negrón’s work and described him as “a star” after his resignation was announced.
According to officials, allegations involving Domenech are currently being examined by an independent state agency. The matter has also drawn attention in Washington, where federal lawmakers questioned González during a congressional committee hearing on Wednesday.
Federal Lawmakers Raise Concerns
During the hearing, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah asked how Congress could be assured that federal funds sent to Puerto Rico were being properly managed.
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González responded that strict oversight measures govern the use of federal funds and said the allegations against Domenech were false.
When asked why Negrón would make such accusations, the governor said she did not know what political motivations may have influenced his actions.
The dispute has also generated criticism within González’s own political movement.
Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, a member of the governor’s pro-statehood party, publicly called for Domenech’s resignation on Wednesday. The following day, Rivera Schatz said he would offer legislative immunity to Domenech and others if they admitted wrongdoing and provided information that could help eliminate corruption.
Text Messages and Internal Investigation Draw Attention
Domenech’s interview marked his first public comments since Negrón accused him of irregularities involving contract processing and alleged government interference.
Negrón also referred authorities to findings from an internal investigation conducted by the economic development agency. According to the allegations, two government officials interfered in the process surrounding an auction for a contract involving federal funds.
The political controversy intensified after alleged private text messages between Domenech and Negrón became public earlier this week.
Some of the reported messages appeared to show pressure to secure positions within the economic development agency for individuals who had supported González’s election campaign. Domenech also alleged that Negrón was aware he was under investigation.
Former Economic Development Chief Rejects Claims
In a statement released Thursday, Negrón rejected the allegations made against him and described them as false.
“The most troubling aspect of what happened today is not the attack against me personally, but the message it sends to every public servant who witnesses irregularities and decides to report them,” Negrón said.
Negrón also expressed concern about the impact of the controversy on businesses operating in Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico needs to strengthen the confidence of those who invest, produce, and generate opportunities, not turn them into collateral damage in personal or political disputes or vendettas,” he said.
The allegations and counterclaims remain under review by Puerto Rico’s justice and ethics authorities. No findings of wrongdoing have been announced.
Tags: Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González, Francisco Domenech, Sebastián Negrón, Government Ethics, Corruption Allegations, Federal Funds, Political Crisis
