Acevedo pleads not guilty to 19 counts against him

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Puerto Rican Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila has pleaded not guilty to all 19 counts against him and has been released on his own recognizance.

Acevedo surrendered Friday on federal corruption charges.

Hundreds of supporters swarmed the governor's black SUV as it approached the courthouse. Many were waving the flags of Puerto Rico and Acevedo's party as salsa music blasted at the campaign-style rally Friday morning.

Acevedo and a dozen associates are accused in alleged schemes to raise and conceal thousands of dollars in illegal campaign contributions. If convicted, the governor faces up to 20 years in prison.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)