Victor Hugo De La Cruz, Bribery, Texas 2019

McALLEN, Texas - A shocking case of public corruption has come to light in Edcouch, Texas, where the mayor pro-tem and city manager have been taken into custody on bribery charges. Victor Hugo De La Cruz, 40, and Rene Flores, 60, both of Edcouch, are set to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker at 9 a.m. September 13.

The federal grand jury returned the four-count indictment under seal on September 2, which was unsealed upon their arrests. The indictment alleges that from June to September 2019, De La Cruz, city manager, and Flores, mayor pro-tem, solicited bribe payments from the owner of a Brownsville business that provides marketing services throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The business owner allegedly received two separate $3000 payments for marketing work he was allegedly performing for the city of Edcouch.

In return, he made two $1000 kickback payments to Flores, according to the charges. De la Cruz and Flores are charged with conspiracy, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and use of a facility in interstate commerce in furtherance of bribery.

If convicted, they both face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine on the bribery charge and five years for the conspiracy and use of a facility in interstate commerce. The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Johnson and K. Alejandra Andrade are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government, and we will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.

Defendant: Victor Hugo De La Cruz

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, and use of a facility in interstate commerce in furtherance of bribery

City and State: McAllen, Texas

Exact Date: September 2, 2019 (indictment under seal), September 13, 2019 (initial appearance)

Sentence or Outcome: Up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine

Dollar Amounts: $3000 (bribe payments), $1000 (kickback payments)

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/city-officials-indicted