All charges against former Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla and his co-defendant, lawyer William Riley, have been dropped in what may be called an abrupt conclusion to a high-profile political controversy. According to Local 10 News, the Broward State Attorney’s Office made the statement today. Following a thorough examination, the prosecutors assessment concluded that there is no proof of record manipulation, corrupt intent, or illegal benefits. Lawful conduct have been misinterpreted as illegal, and witness evidence is untrustworthy.
The pair had been accused of taking and laundering $245,000 related to the construction of the Centner Academy’s sports complex. Due to these allegations, Diaz de la Portilla was suspended from his position on the Miami City Commission and lost the 2023 election to Miguel Gabela while facing criminal accusations. To avoid any conflicts of interest, the case was moved from Miami-Dade, where it was originally intended to be prosecuted, to Broward. Nevertheless, following a thorough follow-up investigation and a number of depositions, Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor stated in an NBC Miami report that the evidence was ultimately insufficient to warrant charges.
Broward prosecutors provided more details about their decision in a closeout memo that both local news outlets were able to receive. The brief emphasized that the evidence was circumstantial, citing the unreliability of witness testimony and the misrepresentation of authorized conduct as criminal. Prosecutors stated in the Local 10 News piece that extensive follow-up investigations and depositions have shown that the entire investigation’s basis was misdirected and supported by unconfirmed material.
The news supports Diaz de la Portilla’s position, which he vehemently denied from the beginning. Despite his legal vindication, his previous attempt to regain his commission seat was unsuccessful. His future in public service is still up in the air without the allegations hanging over him. Throughout the hearings, William Riley and the former commissioner consistently entered a not guilty plea.
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