DOJ Inspector General Should Investigate Alleged Drugs-for-Votes Scheme in Puerto Rico — ProPublica
ProPublica — 2026-05-26 04:00:00 — www.propublica.org
Congressional Representatives Demand Investigation into Abandoned Probe of Puerto Rico’s Prison Drugs-for-Votes Scheme
Puerto Rico’s representative in Congress, along with four other House members, has formally requested an investigation by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General regarding the abrupt cessation of a federal probe into a prison drugs-for-votes scheme that allegedly involved political figures. The inquiry comes in the wake of a ProPublica investigation that raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Puerto Rico.
“Credible allegations of election fraud uncovered through federal investigative work warrant serious scrutiny and transparent explanation,” the members of Congress wrote in a letter dated May 20. They emphasized that it is essential for “public confidence in democratic institutions” that such claims are handled consistently, “regardless of the political actors involved.”
The letter was signed by Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera, a Democrat from Puerto Rico’s Popular Democratic Party, along with Reps. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), and Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.).
Background on the Investigation
The request for an investigation follows a ProPublica report detailing how prosecutors had uncovered a drugs-for-votes scheme orchestrated by a violent gang within Puerto Rican prisons. The investigation was reportedly looking into whether now-Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón or her campaign were implicated. Sources indicated that after Donald Trump’s election in 2024, prosecutors were instructed to exclude voting-related charges against inmates and prison staff. Subsequently, they were told to abandon the investigation into potential political ties altogether once Trump took office.
In their letter, the congressional members urged the inspector general to scrutinize the Justice Department’s decision not to pursue charges related to election fraud “despite reported findings and evidence.” They pointed out that this failure to investigate contradicts the Trump administration’s “repeated emphasis on prioritizing election integrity and election security as federal enforcement priorities.”
Calls for Accountability
Initially, Hernández Rivera sought a House Judiciary Committee investigation but later decided that the inspector general’s office would be a more appropriate avenue for accountability. “This has always been about following the facts and ensuring there is accountability,” he stated in an email to ProPublica. “Given the concerns raised about the DOJ’s handling of the investigation and prosecutorial decisions, we believe an Inspector General review is the appropriate mechanism to independently examine what occurred and whether standards were applied consistently.”
The letter was directed to Don Berthiaume, who has been serving as acting inspector general and is currently awaiting confirmation. William Blier, the deputy inspector general, is overseeing the office in the interim.
González-Colón’s Response
González-Colón, a Republican and member of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, has denied any wrongdoing and has declined multiple requests for interviews. In a previous statement, she asserted, “I categorically reject any attempt to link me to unlawful conduct,” and expressed that she does not believe an investigation is warranted. As of now, she has not been charged with any crime.
Indictments and Allegations
An indictment filed in December 2024, during Joe Biden’s presidency, charged 34 members of a gang known as Group 31 or Los Tiburones with various crimes, including drug distribution leading to at least four overdose deaths. The indictment also alleged that the gang colluded with government officials “for the purpose of reducing prison sentences” and directed inmates on whom to vote in elections. However, it did not include charges related to the drugs-for-votes scheme.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that gang leaders coerced inmates to vote for González-Colón under the threat of violence or withdrawal from drug supplies. Prosecutors reportedly had evidence of communication between González-Colón and a gang leader during the primary campaign, but were instructed to halt further inquiries.
W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, stated that his office does not comment on ongoing cases. While some defendants have reached plea agreements, most cases remain unresolved.
A spokesperson for Muldrow’s office reiterated that charging corrupt public officials “has always been and remains a top priority” of the office.
Conclusion
The request for an investigation into the abandoned probe of the drugs-for-votes scheme underscores the ongoing concerns about election integrity and accountability in Puerto Rico. As the congressional representatives push for transparency, the implications of this case could resonate far beyond the island, potentially influencing public trust in electoral processes nationwide. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as investigations continue.