McALLEN, Texas – A former sheriff’s deputy has been convicted of conspiring to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine, as part of a widespread corruption scandal in the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
Fabian Rodriguez, 28, of Edinburg, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Rodriguez was a member of the Panama Unit, a defunct drug task force operated by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, during 2011 and 2012.
According to court documents, Rodriguez used his position as a law enforcement officer to traffic narcotics, stealing them from his colleagues and selling them to local drug dealers.
The investigation, which led to Rodriguez’s charges, was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations – Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant United States Attorneys James Sturgis and Anibal Alaniz are prosecuting the case.
Rodriguez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, along with a potential fine of up to $10 million. Sentencing has been set for September 10, 2013.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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