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Rivera Associate Denied Bail For Second Time

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — As former U.S. Representative David Rivera announced he plans another run for Congress, a close associate of his has been denied bail a second time on charges of violating federal campaign finance laws.

U.S. District Judge Robert Scola on Wednesday ordered 44-year-old Ana Alliegro to remain jailed until her June trial. A magistrate judge previously denied bail. Alliegro was arrested in Nicaragua and prosecutors say she's a flight risk.

Alliegro is charged with illegally funneling over $80,000 to the 2012 Democratic U.S. House primary campaign of political unknown Justin Lamar Sternad. Sternad has pleaded guilty campaign finance violations and is cooperating with prosecutors.

The case centers on whether Sternad was a straw candidate being used to weaken Democrat Joe Garcia, who eventually defeated Rivera for South Florida's 26th District U.S. House seat.

Rivera, a Republican, has denied any wrongdoing.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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