Puerto Rico Politician faces jail for corruption

A former Puerto Rican lawmaker has pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges that could send him to prison for more than a decade.



Former Senator Jorge de Castro Font entered the plea yesterday after prosecutors agreed to drop 10 of the 31 charges he faced for allegedly trading political favours for cash and services.



Prosecutors said they would recommend a prison sentence of between nine and 11 years.



Mr de Castro had faced a potential sentence of more than 20 years on charges including bribery and extortion.



Sentencing is set for April 23.



de Castro was re-elected to the US territory’s senate in November, despite his indictment.



But he later announced he would not take the oath of office for his sixth term.