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Ernesto Villarreal, 42, Arrested for Theft and Wire Fraud in Alpine, Texas
A former Valentine Independent School District employee has been arrested for allegedly stealing federal funds and engaging in a scheme of wire fraud. Ernesto Villarreal, 42, of Marfa, was taken into custody on charges related to his alleged scheme to misappropriate school district funds for personal expenses.
According to court documents, Villarreal fraudulently and improperly used credit cards issued by Valentine ISD. The cards were intended for authorized purchases in his capacity as business manager and tax assessor/collector. However, Villarreal allegedly used the credit cards for hundreds of personal purchases, including travel, lodging, home improvements, hardware store purchases, personal cell phone bills, fuel, oil changes, convenience store purchases, university tuition payments, and various other unauthorized purchases.
In addition to the credit card scheme, Villarreal is alleged to have accessed payroll information for several employees and former employees of the district in order to create fraudulent payroll payments that he sent to his personal bank account. The indictment alleges that Villarreal would change the direct deposit information for employees and former employees and replace such information with his own bank accounts’ direct deposit information.
Villarreal is charged with one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and eight counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for count one and up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, assisted by the Texas Rangers and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Greenbaum is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ernesto Villarreal’s arrest highlights the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. The Valentine Independent School District and the community can rest assured that the authorities are taking swift action to address any wrongdoing.
The case is a reminder that public corruption will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such activities will be brought to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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