MFA:

"It was the purpose of the conspiracy for the defendants to unlawfully enrich themselves by engaging in political activities in the United States on behalf of the government of Venezuela, and by representing the interests of the government of Venezuela before officials of the of the United States government and in an effort to influence United States foreign policy," states the 34-page indictment.

Before his brief stint in Congress, Rivera served as powerful budget chief while in the Legislature. He was an ally of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who once shared a house with him in Tallahassee. Rivera maintained his ties with various GOP officials after he left office and attended the recent one-day session where the Florida Legislature picked new leaders.