Eliaz Maldonado, Receiving a Bribe by an Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds, Texas 2013

Del Rio, TX – Eight individuals were sentenced to federal prison in a bribery, kickback and bid-rigging scheme that cost Maverick County over $1.3 million in Texas.

Former Maverick County Precinct 1 Commissioner Eliaz Maldonado, 54, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and to perform 1,200 hours of Community Service after completing his prison term. Maldonado was also ordered to pay a maximum $173,128.59 in restitution to the County.

Maldonado pleaded guilty to one count of receiving a bribe by an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. By pleading guilty, Maldonado admitted that in 2010 and 2011, he manipulated the bidding process to guarantee that contractors he chose would be awarded County construction contracts. Furthermore, Maldonado admitted that he instructed the private contractors to submit inflated bids to the County in order to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to perform the construction work, make a profit, and also to pay him bribes.

Former Maverick County Precinct 1 foreman Eduardo Rene Rodriguez, 43, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for receiving a bribe and to perform 1,200 hours of Community Service after completing his prison term. Rodriguez was also ordered to pay a maximum $26,535.72 in restitution to the County.

Former Maverick County Precinct 1 foreman Jaime Flores, 35, and 39-year-old Eagle Pass businessman Joe M. Rodriguez were sentenced to 72 months and 42 months in federal prison, respectively, followed by three years of supervised release for their roles in a scheme to steal County property. In addition to the prison terms, Flores and Rodriguez were also ordered to pay, jointly and severally, $32,070.00 in restitution to the County.

The corruption in the cases sentenced this week works like a cancer on the body politic, eating away public confidence in local government. We will make every effort to counter its effects and hold accountable those who abuse the public trust for their personal gain, stated Acting United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr.

These defendants created a culture of corruption that spread throughout Maverick County, enabling theft and waste to thrive while taxpayers and honest businesses suffered, stated FBI SAC Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.

This case is a testament to the FBI’s commitment to rooting out corruption and holding those accountable who abuse their positions for personal gain.

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