Failed Fla. candidate facing campaign charges

MIAMI (AP) — A former South Florida congressional candidate linked to former Rep. David Rivera has surrendered to the FBI to face charges that he violated federal campaign finance laws.

An FBI spokesman says Justin Sternad surrendered to Miami agents Friday morning. He faces a court hearing later in the day.

Sternad is being charged with conspiracy and filing false campaign finance reports. The FBI began investigating after The Miami Herald published stories last year that Sternad, a Democrat, received money from Republican Rivera's campaign to use in a Democratic primary against eventual winner Joe Garcia.

Garcia went on to defeat Rivera for the 25th congressional district seat.

Rivera has denied any link to Sternad but is also under federal investigation.

Sternad's attorney did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.