Trump pardons former Puerto Rico governor in corruption case
WASHINGTON, Jan 17 — US President Donald Trump has pardoned former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vazquez Garced, who faced federal bribery charges, along with two co-defendants.
The Justice Department's Office of the Pardon Attorney updated its clemency list Thursday to include Vazquez's pardon.
A White House official confirmed the pardon Friday, calling the case "an example of political prosecution."
Vazquez was arrested in August 2022 on charges related to financing her 2020 gubernatorial campaign.
Trump also pardoned co-defendants Julio Martin Herrera Velutini and Mark Rossini.
The president has granted numerous pardons since taking office last year, many to white-collar criminals and political allies.
Vazquez served as Puerto Rico's governor from 2019 to 2021 after her predecessor resigned amid protests.
Her indictment alleged she accepted bribes in exchange for political favors during her campaign.
Trump's pardon power allows him to grant clemency for federal offenses without judicial review.
The pardons take effect immediately, clearing the defendants' federal criminal records.