Actress, model, and former Miss Colombia, Valerie Dominguez on Tuesday will once again face charges that she knowingly played a part in a major agricultural corruption scandal.
Dominguez was absolved of embezzlement charges in October of 2012 when she provided emails that suggested she had no idea that the scheme was illegal. However, on January 11, prosecutors decided to appeal the original ruling and reopen the case.
BACKGROUND: Ex Miss Colombia absolved of corruption charges
Dominguez was found not guilty on charges of embezzlement and fraud for her alleged participation in a corruption scandal at the Agro Ingreso Seguro (AIS) — a government bureau tasked with providing subsidies to poor, rural farmers. The former Miss Colombia was accused of receiving subsidies of $173,000 despite having no connection to agriculture or struggling farmers.
Dominguez managed to prove she did not knowingly claim $173,000 and that she was drawn into the scandal by her ex-boyfriend, whom the judge claimed played on the fact that she was a “naive, gullable…loving girlfriend.’’
