A former Webb County Commissioner and a former Laredo City Councilman have been convicted of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, according to court documents.
Jaime Alberto Canales, 51, and John ‘Johnny’ Amaya, 70, owner of JAUC Services Inc., pleaded guilty in Houston federal court on January 2017. Both reside in Laredo, Texas.
Canales admitted to accepting things of value, including checks disguised as campaign contributions and personal loans, use of a co-conspirator Padre Island condominium, and meals and entertainment, in exchange for his official acts as a Webb County commissioner and Laredo Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) representative. These acts were valued at well over $5,000.
Amaya owned and controlled JAUC Service Inc. and acted as a middleman between a co-conspirator and public officials, including Canales. Amaya admitted to providing cash payments, personal checks disguised as campaign contributions, and meals and entertainment to these officials, all of which were reimbursed with corporate funds.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Pearson are prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the pleas and has set sentencing for February 14, 2019. At that time, Canales and Amaya face up to five years in federal prison.
They were permitted to remain on bond pending their sentencing hearing. The exact dollar amount of the bribes has not been released.
The defendants’ actions demonstrate a clear abuse of power and undermine the public’s trust in government officials.
The guilty pleas mark a significant victory for law enforcement and the community, and serve as a reminder that those who engage in corruption will be held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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