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Housing Authority Official Accused of Bribery
A La Joya Housing Authority Board member has been arrested on charges of federal program bribery in Texas. Sylvia Garces Valdez was taken into custody yesterday and is set to stand trial on October 8, 2019.
According to the indictment, between June and November 2018, Valdez allegedly agreed to give more than $5,000 to someone with the intent to influence an elected official in the City of La Joya. The purpose of the alleged bribe was to secure a public relations contract.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarina S. DiPiazza and Roberto Lopez Jr. are prosecuting the case.
Valdez made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Ormsby. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison and the government is seeking forfeiture of $10,000.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the charges against Valdez. The office emphasized that an indictment is not a conviction and that the defendant is entitled to a fair trial.
The investigation into the bribery scheme is ongoing, and the public is urged to report any information regarding the case.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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