German Garcia Cano, Bribery, Texas 2015

Bribery Scheme Unfolds in Maverick County

In a case that highlights the dangers of corruption, German Garcia Cano, 62, the owner of GGC Enterprises, Inc., a construction equipment rental company, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $884,174.47 in restitution for his role in a bribery scheme.

Crime Unfolds

Between 2009 and 2012, Maverick County paid GGC hundreds of thousands of dollars leasing heavy equipment purportedly used in construction projects in Maverick County. Cano pleaded guilty to one count of paying a bribe to an agent of an organization receiving federal funds on October 9, 2014.

By pleading guilty, Cano admitted to paying bribes to Maverick County employees to ensure that GGC secured leasing contracts with Maverick County.

Defendant Fails to Appear

On February 24, 2015, Cano was scheduled to be sentenced and failed to appear. A warrant for his arrest was issued that same day. In March 2015, the Court entered a bond forfeiture against Cano and a surety and a restraining order against Cano’s assets.

The United States subsequently garnished on bank accounts associated with Cano, including recovering $10,000 transferred to his sister, despite his fugitive status.

Defendant Rearrested and Sentenced

On July 8, 2021, Cano was rearrested and has remained in federal custody. The sentencing of German Cano today demonstrates our steadfast commitment to the pursuit of justice, even when criminals flee, said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.

By paying bribes to receive government funds, Cano fostered a culture of corruption in Maverick County, undermining the public’s faith in government. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to use all available resources to root out corruption and hold wrongdoers accountable.

The FBI, with assistance from the Customs and Border Protection Office Internal Affairs; DEA; Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigative Division; Texas Rangers; and Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Ward and Michael Galdo, with assistance from the Office of International Affairs, prosecuted the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/mexican-businessman-who-absconded-2015-sentenced-bribery