Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila

Sweeping from lush mountain rain forests to pristine beaches, a corridor of land protected by Puerto Rico's last governor hosts dozens of rare and endangered species and was championed by celebrities who helped fight off resort proposals. Now new Gov. Luis Fortuno has revoked the reserve as part of a drive to bring jobs and investment for the U.S. territory's struggling economy. And activists see a broader pattern of looser protection for the island's environment. Fortuno's Oct. 30 order allows large-scale development inside the 3,200-acre 1,300-hectare) parcel of land immediately north of El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest ... Read Full Story

  Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter Wedding Photos Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter Wedding Photos Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter tied the knot on Saturday in Puerto Rico, the same place where Eric proposed. Sanchez, 35, wore a princess-style dress with hand-embroidered pearls and diamonds created by Venezuelan designer Angel Sanchez. Winter, 32, wore a Calvin Klein suit. Eva Longoria was among the 250 guests that attended the wedding. Other guests included, Amaury Nolasco and Puerto Rico governor Anibal Acevedo Vila and his family. Sanchez is best known for her role in the TV series, “Without A Trace.” Winter can be seen in “Brothers ... Read Full Story

A jury began deliberating the fate of Puerto Rico's former governor on Friday as the monthlong corruption trial nears its end. Anibal Acevedo Vila could face 20 years in prison if convicted on nine counts of campaign-finance violations that include conspiracy, money laundering and giving false testimony to the FBI. He is the first governor to be charged with a crime since the island became a semiautonomous U.S. commonwealth in 1952. Acevedo's former adviser, Luisa Inclan, also stood trial and could face similar prison time if convicted on seven charges. Authorities last year accused Acevedo and 12 of his associates of participating in an ... Read Full Story

A jury found Puerto Rico's former governor not guilty Friday on all nine counts of conspiracy, money laundering and lying to the FBI, concluding his monthlong corruption trial. Anibal Acevedo Vila, who could have faced 20 years in prison if convicted, was the first governor to be charged with a crime since the island became a semiautonomous U.S. commonwealth in 1952. His former adviser Luisa Inclan was also cleared of similar charges. Authorities last year accused Acevedo and 12 associates of participating in an illegal scheme to pay off more than $500,000 in campaign debts. One by one the associates began to plead guilty, ... Read Full Story

Prosecutors in the corruption trial of Puerto Rico's former governor suffered a setback on Wednesday as a judge warned they have not proved that Anibal Acevedo Vila knew campaign contributions he received were allegedly illegal. Acevedo is accused of illegally raising money to pay off more than $500,000 in campaign debts stemming from his terms as the island's delegate to the U.S. Congress from 2000 to 2004. He also has been charged with defrauding the IRS and giving false testimony to the FBI. Nearly 20 witnesses have testified so far in the two-week trial, but Judge Paul Barbadoro said prosecutors have yet to demonstrate ... Read Full Story