San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz’s party is facing fraud charges relating to the embezzlement of over $3 million in federal funds, according to court documents unsealed Thursday. The charges come just months after the mayor appeared on CNN and blamed President Trump for mishandling the Puerto Rico hurricane disaster response.
The charges against Cruz and her party were brought by the Puerto Rico Department of Justice and allege that they misappropriated funds intended for hurricane relief and recovery efforts. According to the indictment, Cruz and her party used the funds for personal gain, including purchasing luxury items and paying for lavish vacations.
The allegations have sparked outrage in Puerto Rico and beyond, with many calling for Cruz's resignation. "It's unconscionable that a public official would betray the trust of the people in this way," said Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló in a statement. "We will not stand for corruption or abuse of power."
Cruz has yet to comment on the charges, but her party has denied any wrongdoing. "These allegations are baseless and politically motivated," said a spokesperson for Cruz's party. "We will fight these charges and clear the mayor's name."
The charges against Cruz come at a difficult time for Puerto Rico, which is still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017. The island is facing a deep economic crisis, with many residents struggling to access basic necessities like food and water.
The scandal has raised questions about the island's political leadership and the ability of the government to effectively address the island's many challenges. "This is a dark day for Puerto Rico," said a local political analyst. "The island needs strong, ethical leaders who will prioritize the needs of the people over personal gain. This scandal only serves to further erode trust in government."