Guilty Verdict in the "Suitcase Trial"

Chavez and Fernandez. Photo via Getty Images. It took seven days of deliberation, but Miami's latest foray into international politics via the federal court system ended today with a guilty verdict in the "Suitcase Trial." The case, which you can read about here, hinged on accusations that Venezuelan President Hugo...

By Tim Elfrink

November 3, 2008

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Chavez and Fernandez. Photo via Getty Images.

It took seven days of deliberation, but Miami's latest foray into international politics via the federal court system ended today with a guilty verdict in the "Suitcase Trial."

The case, which you can read about here, hinged on accusations that Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez funneled $800,000 in cash to ally Cristina Fernandez, president of Argentina, through a Miami businessman, who unwisely tried to fly the cash into Buenos Aires inside his luggage.

The guilty verdict is a late victory for the anti-Chávez Bushies, and will surely further complicate U.S.-Venezuela relations for the next administration, whoever that may be. Chavez, apparently, hopes it's Obama.

-- Tim Elfrink

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Tim Elfrink is a former investigative reporter and managing editor for Miami New Times. He has won the George Polk Award and was a finalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting.

Contact: Tim Elfrink

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Twitter: @timelfrinkmia