SAN JUAN – Judge Eloína Torres Cancel of the San Juan Superior Court found Thursday probable cause for arrest, on 10 charges filed against the former Puerto Rico General Services Administrator Miguel Encarnación Correa.

Independent special prosecutors Emilio Arill García and Manuel Núñez Corrada had presented a hearing that led to the ruling, which also set a bail of $50,000 for Encarnación.

The former official must appear early March 14 at the Independent Special Prosecutor Panel’s office for processing. Judge Torres set a preliminary hearing for March 19.

Encarnación allegedly committed crimes in violation of Article 4.2 of the Government Ethics Law; Article 202 of the Penal Code for fraud; Article 251 for unjustified enrichment; Article 252 for illicit use; Article 262 for breach of duty; Article 135 for sexual harassment; and Article 264 for embezzlement of public funds.

Allegedly, using his authority as General Services administrator during the emergency declaration following the impact of hurricanes Irma and María, Encarnación ordered the purchase of 16 electric power generators with public funds. These were said to have been given to political appointees and others for private use.

In addition, it was alleged he used government property for his own benefit and that of third parties amid the emergency, as well as allowing two employees to use official vehicles during non-working hours and in personal matters.