FBI Arrests P. Rico Senator, 7 Others

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- FBI agents in Puerto Rico have arrested Senator Abel Nazario and seven other people as part of an investigation into corruption.

FBI spokeswoman Limary Cruz told The Associated Press that the U.S. Attorney's Office would issue more details soon. She declined further comment.

Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz asked for Nazario's resignation after his arrest early Wednesday. Nazario spokesman Edgardo Rosado told the AP that he is innocent.

Federal authorities had previously arrested Nazario in September 2018 and accused him defrauding his employees while serving as mayor of the southwest town of Yauco. He is awaiting trial in that case.

At the time, Nazario was vice president of the governor's New Progressive Party.

(KR)