ALPINE, Texas– The Valentine Independent School District is reeling from the arrest of Ernesto Villarreal, 42, a former employee charged with embezzling over $100,000 in school district funds. Villarreal, who held positions as business manager and tax assessor/collector, faces a potential sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison.
Court documents detail how Villarreal is accused of using his position to fraudulently misappropriate funds, including personal purchases such as travel, home improvements, and university tuition. He also stands accused of altering payroll information for unauthorized payments into his own bank account.
According to the indictment, Villarreal used Valentine ISD-issued credit cards for unauthorized expenditures, a violation of his position’s financial responsibilities. The FBI, Texas Rangers, and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General are investigating this case.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas announced the charges against Villarreal, who is facing one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and eight counts of wire fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Greenbaum is tasked with prosecuting the case.
The grim revelation has cast a shadow over the Valentine ISD community, prompting calls for increased transparency and oversight in district financial practices. Villarreal’s arraignment is scheduled to take place soon, where he will be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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