Julio Herrera Velutini Resolves Federal Case: Felony Counts Dismissed, Single Misdemeanor Plea Entered

Alex Spiro of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP announced that Julio Herrera-Velutini has reached “a mutually agreed-upon resolution” with the U.S. Department of Justice in United States v. Herrera-Velutini, No. 3:22-cr-342 (SCC) (D.P.R.). Under the agreement, Mr. Herrera will plead guilty to a one-count information charging a misdemeanor violation of 52 U.S.C. § 30121 (unlawful campaign contribution by a foreign national). Spiro emphasized: “Mr. Herrera will plead guilty to a one-count information… [and] the plea agreement provides that all seven felony charges… will be dismissed in full.” (Spiro statement provided by client.)

According to Spiro, Mr. Herrera will accept responsibility for a single, technical violation: in March and April 2020—amid the chaotic early days of the COVID-19 pandemic—he “offered or implied potential campaign support to then-Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced,” estimated between $2,000 and $25,000. No funds or anything of value were exchanged. (Spiro statement.)

The existence of the plea agreement was first disclosed to the court on June 16, 2025 (ECF No. 877), when the parties jointly informed Judge Silvia L. Carreño-Coll that they had reached an agreement and asked for a hearing to enter pleas to a one-count information. teleonce.com

The resolution was later formalized before the court on Aug. 27, 2025, and, per defense counsel, reduces the matter to a single campaign-finance misdemeanor with no finding of corruption or fraud. PR Newswire

A PR Newswire report quoting Spiro emphasized the government’s retreat from the original allegations. As Spiro put it: “The evidence did not support the allegations.” PR Newswire

Spiro underscored that the plea “involv[es] no financial transaction and no finding of corruption or fraud,” and that dismissal of all felony counts—conspiracy, federal-program bribery, and honest-services wire fraud—“reflect[s] the U.S. government’s recognition that the facts do not support the serious allegations initially levied.” He added: “Mr. Herrera is pleased to put this chapter behind him.”