Sol Luis Fontanes Olivo (born October 13, 1949, in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican politician and former mayor of Barceloneta. He was one of the longest tenured mayors of the island, spending 26 years in office. He is currently incarcerated for charges of corruption.

Sol Luis Fontanes Olivo
Mayor of Barceloneta, Puerto Rico
In office
May 6, 1986 – March 1, 2012
Preceded byHéctor Ruíz Martínez
Succeeded byWanda Soler Rosario
Personal details
Born (1949-10-13) October 13, 1949 (age 75)
Barceloneta, Puerto Rico
Political partyPopular Democratic Party (PPD)
SpouseElsa Pérez Sánchez (1972-present)
ChildrenMirelsa
Sol Luis
Alma materUniversity of Puerto Rico (B.A.)
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico (M.A.)
OccupationPolitician

Early years and studies

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Fontanes was born on October 13, 1949, in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, to Félix Fontanes and María Olivo. He studied in his hometown, graduating from high school in 1967. Fontánes then studied at the University of Puerto Rico, receiving a Bachelor's degree in 1972. He completed a Master's degree from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in 1974.

Professional career

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Fontanes worked as a teacher for several years. He also worked as Director of the Prevention Center of the Department of Anti-Addiction Services.

Political career

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Fontanes became mayor of Barceloneta in 1986 after the death of Mayor Héctor Ruíz Martínez and was re-elected six times.[1] For the 2008 general election, Fontanes received more than 70% of the votes, for one of the largest margins of victory that year.[1]

Arrest

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On February 15, 2012, Fontanes was arrested by the FBI and indicted on one charge of extortion.[2] He resigned his office on March 1, 2012.[3] In October 2012, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.[4] On January 24, 2013, Fontanes pled guilty and was sentenced to thirteen years in prison, to be served concurrently.[5]

Fontanes was incarcerated at FCI Petersburg Low Federal Jail in Virginia. His inmate number is 38753–069 with a release date of August 22, 2020 and is currently listed as being located at the Miami Residential Reentry Management (RRM).[6]

Personal life

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Fontanes has been married to Elsa Pérez Sánchez since 1972. They have two children: Mirelsa and Sol Luis.

References

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  1. ^ a b Carmen Milagros Díaz (January 15, 2012). "Hablan los alcaldes invencibles". El Vocero (in Spanish). Archived from the original on March 1, 2012.
  2. ^ "Arrestan al alcalde de Barceloneta". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). February 15, 2012.
  3. ^ Caquías Cruz, Sandra (March 1, 2012). "Sol Luis Fontanes renuncia a la alcaldía de Barceloneta". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish).
  4. ^ Suárez, Limarys (October 1, 2012). "10 años de prisión para exalcalde de Barceloneta". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish).
  5. ^ "Más años de cárcel para el exalcalde Sol Luis Fontanes". El Nuevo Dia (in Spanish). January 24, 2013.
  6. ^ "Inmate Locator".
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