Three Texas Politicians Arrested for Bribery and Money Laundering
Weslaco, Texas – In a shocking move, two former Texas politicians and an attorney have been arrested and charged with bribery and money laundering. According to the complaint, former Weslaco City Commissioner John Cuellar, 56, and former Hidalgo County Commissioner Arturo Cuellar Jr., 65, allegedly accepted bribes from three engineering companies in exchange for official actions favorable to the companies.
The scheme allegedly began in approximately March 2008 and continued through December 2015. During this time, Lopez received approximately $3.7 million from two engineering companies, and shared approximately $1.398 million with Cuellar Jr. The complaint further alleges that Cuellar Jr. used a company he controlled to pay Cuellar approximately $405,000, disguised as legitimate legal expenses.
In exchange for these payments, Cuellar allegedly took several official actions to benefit the three construction companies, including the award of a $38.5 million contract to rehabilitate Weslaco’s water treatment plant. The complaint also alleges that Cuellar and Cuellar Jr. enlisted Garcia, an attorney, to launder approximately $90,000 in bribe payments to Cuellar through Garcia’s interest on lawyers trust (IOLTA) account.
The FBI and IRS-CI conducted the investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Peter M. Nothstein and Jessica C. Harvey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez of the Southern District of Texas.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. A complaint contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Cuellar and Garcia are currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed. The public is urged to report any additional information to the authorities.
This case highlights the serious consequences of public corruption and the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Defendant Information:
John Cuellar, Former Weslaco City Commissioner, 56, of Weslaco, Texas
Arturo Cuellar Jr., Former Hidalgo County Commissioner, 65, of Hidalgo County, Texas
Daniel Garcia, Attorney, 40, of Rio Grande City, Texas
Criminal Charges:
Conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Arrest Date:
Not specified
City and State:
Weslaco, Texas
Amounts:
$3.7 million
$1.398 million
$405,000
$38.5 million
$90,000
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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