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U.S. Prosecutor To Investigate Puerto Rican Officials Accused Of Stopping Aid From Reaching People

Kerry Picket Political Reporter
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U.S. federal prosecutor in Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodriguez announced Sunday her investigation into government officials who allegedly did not deliver hurricane relief aid to the island’s residents.

During an interview on WAPA Radio, Rodriguez criticized two officials who failed to deliver needed supplies to their constituents, Metro PR reported.

“This morning we received information from a town on the Island where a person close to the municipal administration was asking one of our federal agents that the supplies that were there could not be touched because they were for his mayor,” said Rodríguez, noting that the case is currently under investigation.

She added she also learned from another source on the island that an official was hoarding supplies for residents “who had voted for that person.”

The announcement of the investigation happened at the request of Gov. Ricardo Rosello, when he became aware of numerous reports that FEMA supplies to some mayors were not reaching Puerto Rican residents.

As of this past weekend, the U.S. military has officially taken over the distribution of all FEMA aid in Puerto Rico. (RELATED: US Military Takes Over Hurricane Relief Delivery In Puerto Rico)

“This is not the time to do politics … this is the time to help and to be kind to others. This is a tragedy and nobody should take advantage of the aid,” said Rodriguez.

When asked which towns the officials in question represent, Rodriguez responded, “The first is from the  north and the other is from the central region; and another is the metropolitan area. I can’t mention who these people are, because it could affect the investigation.”

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