Puerto Rico businessman acquitted in drunk-driving case pleads guilty to bribing judge

Published January 08, 2015

A Puerto Rico businessman has pleaded guilty to bribing a Superior Court judge to secure his acquittal in a fatal drunk-driving case.

Lutgardo Acevedo Lopez was accused of using intermediaries to pay $3,200 worth of taxes owed by the judge as well as pay for the renovation of the judge's garage and buy him a $1,200 motorcycle, clothing, a watch and other items.

Acevedo was acquitted last year on charges including vehicular homicide after being arrested on suspicion of hitting another car in June 2012 and killing a security guard.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Thursday that the 39-year-old certified public accountant is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 8.

Former Judge Manuel Acevedo Hernandez has pleaded not guilty in the case.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/puerto-rico-businessman-acquitted-in-drunk-driving-case-pleads-guilty-to-bribing-judge