Florida Ethics Panel: Rivera Deserves Fine, Reprimand
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A Florida ethics panel says former U.S. Rep. David Rivera deserves to be fined nearly $60,000 after they say, he violated the state's ethics law.
The Miami Republican is accused of getting reimbursed for travel expenses that were paid by his campaign.
Rivera did not comment following Friday's hearing by the Florida Commission on Ethics. His attorney said Rivera will appeal.
Leonard Collins told commissioners that Rivera was denied due process in the case. He also said the commission lacked jurisdiction to pursue some of the charges.
An attorney for the state called Rivera's actions an "appalling breach of trust."
House Speaker Steve Crisafulli must decide if Rivera should be fined or reprimanded.
Rivera is a one-time ally of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
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