Puerto Rico roiled by widening political crisis as top official comes under fire

Jenniffer González is mired in a new political crisis tied to a top government official that serves as her chief of staff ByDÁNICA COTO Associated Press June 18, 2026, PM SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The administration of Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González is mired in a new political crisis, with allegations of public corruption, government interference and conflicts of interest. González's chief of staff Francisco Domenech is the latest to be ensnared in a high-profile investigation, following the resignation last month of Puerto Rico’s economic development chief Sebastián Negrón, who accused the administration of interfering with the agency's work. More than 10 other officials — including the chief of staff, general counsel and finance chief — also resigned from the agency as it tries to lure new investors to an island struggling with chronic power outages and other issues. Domenech, who maintains a high profile in his role, also serves as executive director of Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority. On Wednesday, Domenech submitted sworn statements against Negrón to Puerto Rico’s Department of Justice and its Office of Government Ethics, alleging corruption and conflicts of interest. On Thursday, he justified his actions in an interview with WIPR, a government TV station. Domenech said he only took action this week because it took time to compile what he says is evidence against Negrón, whom the governor has described as “a star” as she lamented his resignation in late May. The allegations against Domenech, which are being investigated , have caught the attention of U. Congress, with federal lawmakers questioning the governor about them on Wednesday. She said the allegations are false. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, a member of the governor’s pro-statehood party, called Wednesday for Domenech’s resignation. On Thursday, Rivera Schatz offered legislative immunity to Domenech and anyone else “if they confess their crimes and produce results that eradicate corruption.” Domenech’s interview marked his first public comments since Negrón accused him of irregularities related to contract processing and undue government interference. Negrón also referred to the Justice Department and its Office of Government Ethics, the findings of an internal investigation led , who are accused of interfering in the process for an auction of a contract involving federal funds. Domenech’s submitted his sworn statements after alleged private text messages between him and Negrón were made public earlier this week, roiling the U.