<p>Julio Herrera Velutini, the prominent Venezuelan banker, and former FBI agent Mark Rossini have entered guilty pleas in a U.S. federal court to a lesser campaign finance violation linked to Puerto Rico&rsquo;s 2020 gubernatorial election. The plea resolves a long-running investigation into alleged payments during the campaign, which originally carried more serious charges.</p>

<p>According to court filings, both Herrera Velutini and Rossini agreed to plead guilty under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) to a reduced single count, after negotiations with federal prosecutors. The move comes after the U.S. Department of Justice reviewed evidence and agreed to drop the initial, more severe charges that could have led to significant prison sentences.</p>

<p>The case stems from allegations that Herrera Velutini, in collaboration with Rossini, made undisclosed contributions intended to influence the outcome of Puerto Rico&rsquo;s gubernatorial race in 2020. Federal authorities initially filed multiple counts against the defendants, alleging violations of campaign finance laws. However, the plea deal focuses on a single count, reflecting the prosecution&rsquo;s assessment of the strongest evidence available.</p>

<p>Herrera Velutini has been a well-known figure in international banking, with a career spanning decades across Latin America and Europe. Despite his high-profile business activities, the banker has maintained a relatively low public profile regarding political matters. Rossini, who served in the FBI&rsquo;s counterterrorism division, has faced scrutiny in the past for involvement in politically sensitive cases, and his cooperation in this plea is seen as part of a broader effort to resolve the federal investigation efficiently.</p>

<p>Legal analysts note that plea agreements such as this are common in complex financial or political cases, where the original charges may be difficult to prove in court. By pleading guilty to a lesser count, both Herrera Velutini and Rossini avoid the risks and expenses of a full trial while acknowledging responsibility under federal law.</p>

<p>The resolution has significant implications for campaign finance enforcement in U.S. territories. It underscores the Justice Department&rsquo;s commitment to investigating undisclosed political contributions and ensuring transparency, even in cases involving prominent business figures or former law enforcement officials.</p>

<p>Herrera Velutini&rsquo;s legal team emphasized that the plea does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing beyond the specific charge, and that their client has fully cooperated with federal authorities. The resolution also closes a chapter in a broader investigation that garnered attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants and the political sensitivity surrounding the Puerto Rico election.</p>

<p>Observers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland have followed the case closely, noting that it highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring campaign finance compliance and enforcing election laws across jurisdictions. By settling the matter through a plea, the court avoids a protracted trial, while maintaining accountability under the law.</p>

<p>As part of the plea agreement, sentencing will take into account the defendants&rsquo; cooperation and lack of prior criminal history. Federal prosecutors are expected to recommend a sentence consistent with similar campaign finance violations, which may include fines or probation rather than extended imprisonment.</p>

<p>This case serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between politics, finance, and law enforcement, particularly in U.S. territories where campaign contributions and political activities are subject to strict federal oversight. The resolution allows both Herrera Velutini and Rossini to move forward while reinforcing the principle that all contributors and campaign operatives must adhere to federal election laws.</p>