![Tyson Foods Plant [Photo: Food Manufacturing]](https://southarkansassun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/iStock_1185520857__1_.5e441daa51cca-600x337.jpg)
![Silverado Senior Living Management Inc. [Photo: Los Angeles Times]](https://southarkansassun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/download-6-4-600x337.jpg)
![China's Wuhan Institute of Virology [Photo: Nature]](https://southarkansassun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/d41586-021-01529-3_19239608-600x337.jpg)
Manuel Rocha, a former American diplomat, has been formally accused of serving as a Cuban government agent in Miami. Rocha, aged 73, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment after being held in federal detention since December. Prosecutors claim Rocha was recruited by Cuba in the 1970s and worked secretly for them during his two-decade diplomatic career.
Former American Diplomat Charged as Cuban Agent: Manuel Rocha Faces Trial in Miami Federal Court
Former Ambassador Manuel Rocha Faces Trial: From Diplomat to Accused Cuban Agent, Court Drama Unfolds
Despite his attorney’s previous waiver, Rocha’s presence in court attracted attention as he appeared in a prison jumpsuit with a full beard. He maintained his innocence and requested a jury trial, with the judge scheduling the trial for late March and Rocha choosing not to seek bail.
The charges against Rocha include acting as an illegal foreign agent, conspiracy, and multiple counts of fraud. According to the indictment, Rocha became a U.S. citizen after being recruited by Cuban intelligence, serving in various State Department positions from 1981 to 2002 across several countries, including the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Cuba, and ending as Bolivia’s ambassador. While the specifics of the information he allegedly shared with Cuba remain undisclosed, he has not been charged with espionage at this time.
READ ALSO: Urgent Search Underway By Hanahan Police Department For Missing 16-Year-Old In Hanahan, South Carolina
Cuban Defector Tip-off Sparks FBI Probe, Delayed Charges Ignite Plea Negotiation Speculation
The investigation leading to Rocha’s arrest likely began after a Cuban defector’s tip-off. Undercover FBI agents contacted Rocha in November, leading to discussions about his alleged involvement with Cuban intelligence. Additionally, reports suggest that U.S. intelligence may have failed to act on information about Rocha provided almost twenty years ago.
The delay in formally charging Rocha, despite his December arrest, has sparked speculation about potential plea negotiations. Recent revelations about Rocha transferring property titles to his wife post-arrest further complicate the case and could impact potential forfeiture proceedings.
READ ALSO: Nebraska Women Stabbed To Death: Woman Allegedly Stabbed Guests Who Said Her House Was Dirty
