A senior executive of TV Marti has been indicted on charges of accepting payoffs from companies doing business with the U.S. government-funded station.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami announced Monday that Jose Miranda has been indicted for allegedly taking more than $100,000 in bribes from Perfect Image Film and Video Productions.
Miranda was charged with unlawfully participating in government matters in which he had a financial interest, and with false reporting on financial disclosure reports - one count each for the years 2002, 2003, and 2004. Each of the charges carries a maximum of five years in prison.
Miranda made an appearance in federal court Monday and was released on $250,000 bond.
A spokesman for the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors said Miranda has been placed on administrative leave and faces suspension without pay until the case is resolved.
The U.S. Office of Cuba Broadcasting oversees TV Marti. It broadcasts news and information programs to Cuba, although the Cuban government attempts to block the signal.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors oversees the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, the Voice of America and all U.S. government and government-sponsored non-military international broadcasting.