Puerto Rico's Justice Department has filed lawsuits against three mayors accused of getting illegal salary raises amid a worsening economic crisis.
Justice Secretary Cesar Miranda says the mayors of Vega Alta and Maricao are being ordered to return a total of more than $133,000 they are accused of illegally earning. He said Wednesday that the mayor of Canovanas is being ordered to reduce her pay from nearly $9,000 to $6,500 a month.
The lawsuits were filed following an investigation by the island's comptroller.
Puerto Rico is struggling to emerge from a nearly decade-long economic slump as it faces a $72 billion public debt the governor has said is unpayable and needs restructuring.
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