Cameron County Tax Assessor-Collector Tony Yzaguirre has been arrested and charged with bribery, organized crime and official oppression, says District Attorney Luis V. Saenz.
Federal and state officials raided the administration building at the Cameron County Courthouse in Brownsville this morning.
Saenz said nearly two years ago his office began investigating the tax office for what he called certain questionable actions and activities.
He said the investigation grew to include the Texas Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Rangers, U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, Homeland Security and Brownsville Police.
Here is a list of those arrested and their charges:
Tony Yzaguirre
- Four counts of bribery, a second degree felony
- Engaging in organized criminal activity, a first degree felony
- Official oppression, a class A misdemeanor
Pedro Garza
- One count of bribery, a second degree felony
- Engaging in organized criminal activity, a first degree felony
- Official oppression, a class A misdemeanor
Omar Sanchez-Paz
- One count of engaging in organized criminal activity, a first degree felony
- Abuse of official capacity, a class A misdemeanor
Jose Mireles
- One count of bribery, a second degree felony
- Engaging in criminal activity, a first degree felony
- Official oppression, a class A misdemeanor
Saenz said warrants were executed for the tax office, two private homes and four businesses. He said the investigation is ongoing.
The tax offices remain closed for the day.
Brownsville Herald reporters Laura B. Martinez, Christina Garza and photographer Yvette Vela contributed to this report.
For breaking news alerts, download the Valley Morning Star free mobile app for iPhone or Android
