United Press International - Tuesday, April 13, 1999
Nelson Del Castillo

Known as the "Kouri Case," it takes its name from Cuban doctor Yamil Kouri, who heads the list of people accused of using $2 million meant to treat AIDS patients for their personal benefit and to make illegal campaign contributions.

During the case's 16 days in court, the names of Gov. Pedro Rossello and former San Juan Mayor Hector Luis Acevedo -- who headed the main opposition party but has retired from politics -- have frequently been mentioned as beneficiaries of money meant for the AIDS institute.

On Monday, the names of Edison Misla Aldarondo and Jose Granados Navedo -- the president and vice president of Puerto Rico's House of Representatives -- also came up.

The case was turned over to U.S. federal authorities by former pro- independence legislator David Noriega, who is against the court's presence in the commonwealth.

Noriega said, "It was the only guarantee the case would be taken to the end."

He wants Rossello and Acevedo held responsible in the case for not acting promptly to stop the corruption.

A tape recording made by the FBI in 1997 and presented by federal prosecutors on Monday shows the former manager of Advanced Community Health Services, Jeanette Sotomayor Vazquez, inducing her then-domestic employee Josefa Navarro Ocasio to lie to the authorities about the money.

The health group, headed by Kouri, ran San Juan's AIDS Institute, which obtained funds from the U.S. government. Kouri founded the AIDS Institute in the late 1980s, when the current governor worked as San Juan's director of health.

In one of the three recordings presented by prosecutor, Sotomayor Vazquez said Rossello and Acevedo received a considerable amount of money. She also said Misla Aldarondo's and Granados Navedo's political campaigns received contributions from the AIDS Institute's money.

She attributed Kouri's appointment to the money he gave to Rosello's campaign, allegedly $250,000. The politicians involved have denied knowingly receiving contributions from the AIDS Institute.

So far, former Sen. Edgardo Rosario Burgos has pleaded guilty of receiving nearly $250,000 from the institute for his political campaign. Armando Borrell, another ACHS officer, is being charged in this trial along with Kouri and Sotomayor Vazquez.

A second trial is set to open to try more people accused in the case, including several prominent doctors.

Kouri's defense today asked for a mistrial after Judge Jose A. Fuste rejected a comparison of the accused politicians to other Puerto Rican politicians, including Puerto Rico's delegate to Washington, Carlos Romero Barcelo.

Fuste suggested a better comparison would be to Adolf Hitler, Moammar Gadhafi, Winston Churchill or Bill Clinton. The defense said the comment had negatively influenced the jury.

Fuste denied the request for a mistrial, saying his intention was not to influence the jury.
990413
UP990404

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .