HOUSTON – A bribery scheme that permeated the town of Progreso and the local school board has resulted in multiple sentences.
Former Progreso Mayor Omar Vela, 36, and his brothers Michael Vela, 30, and Orlando Vela, 34, as well as their father Jose Vela, 65, have been convicted in connection with a scheme to create a ‘pay to play’ public contracting system.
The scheme, which occurred from 2004 to 2013, involved the Velas and Jesus Bustos, 58, a local architect, extracting bribes from contractors who sought to do business with the City of Progreso and the Progreso Independent School District (PISD).
As a result of their convictions, Omar Vela was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, while Michael Vela received a 71-month sentence. Their father, Jose Vela, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison. Orlando Vela, who was also convicted, received a 10-month-term.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Velas were able to extract bribes from contractors due to their control of Progreso and PISD. Michael and Omar Vela held positions of power in local government, while Jose Vela controlled the PISD School Board by rewarding board members with bribe money.
The scheme resulted in the loss of over $300,000 to the school district and city government. In addition to their prison sentences, the Velas were ordered to forfeit large sums of money and pay restitution.
The case serves as a reminder of the corruption that can occur when those in power abuse their positions for personal gain. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Olga Hernandez, Bribery and Kickback Scheme, Texas 2024 · Texas
- Texas Architect Busted in Bribery Scheme · Texas
- Ken Paxton Probes Anticompetitive Firetruck Scheme, Texas, 2023 · Texas
- Jose Luis Rosales, Bribery Scheme, Eagle Pass TX, 2023 · Texas
- Juan Jose Hernandez Comerma, Foreign Bribery Scheme, FL 2024 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Public CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic Corruption