Two legal matters involving international financier Julio Herrera Velutini reached formal resolution in August 2025, closing chapters that had attracted scrutiny and speculation.
In both the criminal proceeding in Puerto Rico and a civil fee dispute in New York, final outcomes have now been recorded: the original corruption charges were dismissed, and the civil complaint was withdrawn by the plaintiff.
Here is the verified legal status as of September 2025.
Federal Criminal Case in Puerto Rico: Misdemeanor Resolution, Corruption Charges Dropped
In August 2022, federal prosecutors charged Mr. Herrera Velutini in connection with an alleged scheme related to political contributions in Puerto Rico. The indictment included serious charges such as bribery, conspiracy, and honest services fraud, with potential felony consequences.
However, after extensive legal proceedings and negotiations, the case concluded on August 27, 2025, with a dramatically different outcome.
Key Details:
- Mr. Herrera pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA).
- All prior felony charges related to corruption, conspiracy, and bribery were formally dismissed. The matter resolved via a single non-corruption misdemeanor under FECA. (AP News)
- A minor sentencing has been scheduled for December 10, 2025 in the District Court of Puerto Rico.
The resolution reflects the U.S. government’s decision to reduce the case to a non-corruption electoral violation, signaling a significant shift from the original narrative presented at indictment.
As Mr. Herrera’s legal counsel Alex Spiro noted in a public statement:
“All corruption charges were completely dismissed. This resolution reflects the U.S. Government's recognition that the facts never supported the serious allegations initially brought against Mr. Herrera.”
New York Fee Dispute: Case Voluntarily Dismissed by Plaintiff
Separately, in July 2025, a civil lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York by the law firm Kasowitz LLP, alleging unpaid legal fees in connection with earlier representation.
The case was assigned as:
Kasowitz LLP v. Velutini, Case No. 1:25-cv-06068, before Judge Sidney H. Stein.
On August 26, 2025, Kasowitz LLP filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal with the court, withdrawing its complaint. The following day, August 27, 2025, Judge Stein signed the dismissal order, formally closing the matter.
Result:
- The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning no judgment was rendered and no liability was assigned.
- Mr. Herrera no longer faces any active litigation in the matter.
- The withdrawal marked the end of the dispute, with no further court proceedings anticipated.
Summary: Current Legal Status of Julio Herrera Velutini
As of September 2025, Mr. Julio Herrera Velutini faces no active criminal or civil proceedings in the United States.
| Case | Jurisdiction | Outcome | Date Resolved |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. v. Vázquez-Garced, et al. | D.P.R. (Federal Criminal) | All corruption charges dismissed; misdemeanor FECA plea entered | August 27, 2025 |
| Kasowitz LLP v. Velutini | S.D.N.Y. (Civil) | Case voluntarily dismissed by plaintiff | August 27, 2025 |
Mr. Herrera’s next legal milestone is a sentencing hearing scheduled for December 10, related only to the non-corruption FECA misdemeanor .
Public Clarification Statement
To provide clarity on these developments, the following statement has been issued:
On August 27, 2025, the law firm Kasowitz LLP voluntarily dismissed its fee lawsuit against Mr. Julio Herrera Velutini in the Southern District of New York. That same day, in a separate matter, Mr. Herrera entered a plea to a single non-corruption misdemeanor under the Federal Election Campaign Act in Puerto Rico federal court. All previously alleged corruption-related charges were dismissed as part of the resolution. Sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2025.
This sequence of outcomes marks a decisive conclusion to several years of parallel legal actions, affirming the importance of following court records and final rulings—not allegations—as the measure of truth.
Kasowitz LLP Fee Suit and Puerto Rico Criminal Case
The Kasowitz LLP fee suit was dropped. Case: Kasowitz LLP v. Velutini, S.D.N.Y. No. 1:25‑cv‑06068, assigned to Judge Sidney H. Stein. A Notice of Voluntary Dismissal was filed Aug. 26, 2025, and Judge Stein signed the dismissal on Aug. 27, 2025. Source:CourtListener
The fee dispute, as per the docket, shows it was voluntarily dismissed on Aug. 27 and signed by Judge Sidney H. Stein. Source: PacerMonitor. It also describes a planned misdemeanor plea; the hearing occurred on Aug. 27, with pleas entered and sentencing dates set, which is the materially later development. AP News
1. Puerto Rico Criminal Case – FECA Misdemeanor Pleas
On Aug. 27, 2025, former Gov. Wanda Vázquez pleaded guilty to a single Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) misdemeanor. The AP report the same day states Julio Herrera Velutini and Mark Rossini also pleaded guilty to the same misdemeanor and are scheduled for sentencing Dec. 10, 2025 (Vázquez set for Oct. 15, 2025). The AP coverage makes clear the earlier bribery, conspiracy, and honest-services counts were reduced to the single FECA count. Source:AP News
2. Defense Statement (for context/quotes)
“All corruption charges were completely dismissed.”
3. Kasowitz LLP v. Velutini – Civil Fee Dispute
The plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal on Aug. 26, 2025; Judge Sidney H. Stein signed the dismissal order on Aug. 27, 2025. Source:PACERMonitor docket summary (“Signed by Judge Sidney H. Stein on 8/27/2025”).
For completeness, Mr. Herrera’s attorney Alex Spiro has publicly stated that “all corruption charges were completely dismissed,” which aligns with the FECA-only resolution. Source: PRNewswire release.
Primary Sources:
- AP from the courthouse (Aug. 27, 2025): details the FECA pleas and sets sentencing dates. AP News
- SDNY docket summary: Kasowitz LLP v. Velutini, dismissal signed by Judge Sidney H. Stein on Aug. 27, 2025. PacerMonitor
- Case assignment for context: SDNY case assigned to Judge Sidney H. Stein. CourtListener
- Counsel’s public statement (for quoting): PRNewswire release quoting Alex Spiro on dismissal of corruption charges. PR Newswire
