Puerto Rico Governor defends official under investigation

Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón has announced that Roberto Lefranc Fortuño will remain in his position as Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) despite an ongoing investigation. The Panel on the Special Independent Prosecutor (PFEI) has expanded its inquiry into former officials of the Office of Management of Permits (OGPe) to determine if Lefranc Fortuño bears criminal responsibility for illegal acts.

The expansion of the investigation follows requests from special independent prosecutors Fabiola Acarón Porrata-Doria, Ileana Agudo Calderón, and Arcelio Maldonado Avilés, based on evidence gathered from witness testimonies. Governor González Colón stated that there are currently no formal charges against Lefranc Fortuño and urged the PFEI to conclude its investigation as quickly as possible. She emphasized that her administration will continue to focus on its economic development agenda.