Ethics Commission To Take Up Rivera Case

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - The Florida Commission on Ethics this month will consider a judge's recommendation that former state lawmaker and Congressman David Rivera pay nearly $58,000 in fines and restitution in a case that focuses on travel reimbursements and financial disclosure.

The commission is scheduled to take up the case April 17, according to an agenda released Thursday.

Administrative Law Judge W. David Watkins last month issued a recommended order that said Rivera should pay $16,500 in fines and nearly $41,322 in restitution and should face censure and reprimand.

Last year, Watkins found that Rivera improperly received state travel reimbursements while serving in the state House and did not adequately disclose financial information.

Rivera, a Miami Republican, served in the House from 2002 to 2010, including two years as appropriations chairman. He was elected to Congress in 2010 and served one term before losing a re-election bid.

The ethics commission can issue an order in the case, but the ultimate decision about penalties would be made by the House speaker, according to Watkins' ruling last month.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.