Starr County’s former county attorney was arrested Friday and charged with public corruption.
Victor Canales was arrested Friday in Rio Grande City and is facing nine charges, including bribery and extortion, related to his position as county attorney from 2005 through 2022.
The indictment was presented before a grand jury on Tuesday, according to federal court records.
As part of his duties, Canales was authorized to collect fines and fees, and maintained the discretion to prosecute certain offenses. He was also the sole signatory authority over the Starr County Attorney’s bank account. He also kept personal banking accounts at the Lonestar National Bank and Rio Bank in McAllen.
“Starr County is a governmental entity receiving more than $10,000 in federal program funds, from calendar year 2017 until calendar year 2021,” the indictment noted.
The indictment alleges Canales used his position to enrich himself.
“Victor Canales would convert funds destined for the Starr County’s Attorney’s Office for fines and fees, by requesting payment in cash or money orders, and then depositing the cash or money orders into his personal accounts,” the indictment alleged.
The first charge alleges Canales violated the Travel Act by using a bank to facilitate bribery and extortion from January 2017 through December 2021.
Four of the charges are for alleged embezzlement of property under the Starr County Attorney’s Office worth up to $5,000. The charges alleged it happened each year from 2018 and 2021.
“Victor Canales would convert funds destined for the Starr County’s Attorney’s Office for fines and fees, by requesting payment in cash or money orders, and then depositing the cash or money orders into his personal accounts,” the indictment alleged.
The remaining four charges were for violations of the Hobbs Act Extortion Under Color of Official Right on a range of dates in 2021 in which Canales allegedly obtained property without the consent of four entities only mentioned by initials.
Canales remains in federal custody and is scheduled to appear before the court on Monday for an initial appearance.
Attempts to reach Canales were unsuccessful.
Canales announced his abrupt retirement on April 20, 2022, in a letter submitted to the county that made his retirement effective that same day, even though he had two more years left in his term. The letter did not provide a reason behind his departure.
