SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The FBI arrested a radio producer on Wednesday for allegedly trying to extort money from a government official to prevent the release of private messages that “would set fire to Puerto Rico” – communications from an encrypted messaging app that most afternoon he took down Gov Ricardo Rosselló.
Sixto Jorge Díaz Colón, 52, who previously worked for Spain’s Broadcasting System, faces federal charges, including attempted extortion and destruction, alteration or falsification of records in a federal investigation, according to a grand jury charge.
The prosecution claims that a former government subcontractor contacted Díaz in February 2019 and said he had a copy of messages sent through the Telegram app that allegedly contained incriminating information about Rosselló, his close associates and members of his party.
Four months later, the authorities claim, Díaz sent a telegram to the island’s public affairs secretary saying that if the Rosselló government “does not stop messing with” the relative of a former senior official, the subcontractor “has overwhelming evidence” that can destroy the administration, starting with the governor.
Officials say Díaz then contacted the secretary of public affairs to request a meeting, during which he asked for help in obtaining government contracts that would indemnify him.
“Public corruption has many faces,” said Rafael Riviere, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Juan office. “Sometimes … criminals try to exploit the weaknesses of those in public office. This is also a form of public corruption and, like any other form of corruption, it will not be tolerated. “
Although the prosecution does not identify the name of the secretary of public relations, Anthony Maceira held the position at the time.
Joannie Plaza-Martínez, a public defender assigned to the Díaz case, did not immediately return a message for comment. Maceira did not respond to a request for comment.
The names of the relative and the subcontractor have not been released.
Weeks after the meeting, local media released hundreds of pages of private Telegram messages, full of profanity, in which Rosselló and other senior officials insulted women and mocked constituents, including victims of Hurricane Maria. The revelation led to huge protests that paralyzed Puerto Rico and eventually led Rosselló to resign.
During that time, the authorities accuse, Díaz tried to extort money from the secretary of public relations to prevent the spread of additional Telegram messages, saying that the subcontractor intended to “burn Puerto Rico” unless he received about $ 300,000 via Díaz. The authorities claim that Díaz also asked for additional money to pay others who would defend Rosselló and the restoration of government contracts that would benefit him.
The prosecution claims that although the Public Relations secretary sent a message to Telegram saying they were working on the matter, no money was paid or contracts signed.
FBI spokeswoman Limary Cruz said Díaz was arrested at his home on Wednesday.
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