Marcelo Alvarez, Bribery, Texas 2014
A shocking case of bribery has rocked the small town of Eagle Pass, Texas. Marcelo Alvarez, a 55-year-old surveyor and consultant, has pleaded guilty to paying a bribe to an agent of an organization receiving federal funds.
According to court documents, between 2010 and 2012, Alvarez paid $100 to $200 on multiple occasions to Maverick County elected officials, including two county commissioners, for their support in securing county construction projects.
The scheme, which has been under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety, ultimately resulted in Maverick County paying in excess of $800,000 to Amistad Consulting, a company connected to Alvarez, to perform engineering, project management, and consulting services for the county.
Alvarez, designated by Amistad Consulting as the Resident Project Representative, received payment for his services of approximately $300,000 between 2010 and 2012.
The guilty plea was entered in United States District Court in Del Rio, Texas, on an unspecified date. Alvarez remains on bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for October 1, 2014.
Individuals who have first-hand information about corruption, fraud, or bribery related to Maverick County are urged to contact the FBI at (210) 225-6741.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Defendant: Marcelo Alvarez
Criminal Charge: Paying a bribe to an agent of an organization receiving federal funds
City and State: Eagle Pass, Texas
Date: 2010-2012 (crime date), October 1, 2014 (sentencing date)
Sentence: Up to 10 years in federal prison, full restitution to Maverick County
Dollar Amount: $100 to $200 (bribes), $800,000 (payment to Amistad Consulting), $300,000 (payment to Alvarez)
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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