Galveston, TX – In a shocking case of public corruption, former USACE engineer Christopher Castillo has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for his role in a bribery scheme. Castillo, 33, of Monte Alto, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of bribery, which was later accepted by U.S. District Judge Gregg Costa.
According to the investigation, Castillo supervised projects in the Southern District of Texas and the performance of government contractors. In 2010, he solicited and received a new concrete driveway from the owner of a company engaged in contract services for the U.S. government. The project had an estimated value of $80,000 and was completed on or about January 14, 2012.
Castillo’s actions were deemed a serious offense by the court, with Judge Costa noting that the defendant was living the American Dream as an engineer with a master’s degree, but that was not enough for him. Castillo offered an apology for his actions at the hearing.
Col. Christopher Sallese, district commander of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District, condemned Castillo’s actions, stating that they were not in line with the Army’s Core Values nor reflective of the service the Corps provides the nation.
Castillo was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine as part of his sentence. He was previously released on bond, but was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The case was investigated by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command’s USACID and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James McAlister.
Castillo’s sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of public corruption and the importance of holding public servants accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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