Federal prosecutors allege that an ex-governor of a neighboring country is guilty of taking bribes from drug cartels. Prosecutors further allege that he assisted gangs in smuggling drugs over the border into Texas and also helped in a conspiracy to launder money in Texas. In addition to the former governor, a foreign businessman was also indicted in the conspiracy, which includes charges of bank fraud.
According to the longtime politician’s attorney in Texas, the indictment stems from statements obtained by people who have already been indicted and are being held in jail. The sources of the information cannot be trusted, according to the lawyer. The man has denied all of the charges being brought against him.
Prosecutors allege that the ex-politician received millions in bribes from various drug cartels during his tenure as governor. If convicted, the man could face as much as 30 years in jail for money laundering and racketeering. He could face as much as 30 years in jail if convicted of bank fraud. Another 10 years could be added to his sentence if a conviction for drug conspiracy charges is secured.
The white collar crimes, bank fraud and drug conspiracy charges faced by this man are complex and serious. At 56 years of age, if this man is convicted, he could spend the rest of his life serving his prison sentence. Fortunately, no one who is accused of crimes, whether it be in a federal or state court in Texas, is guilty of those crimes until and unless a court of law finds them so. This Mexican ex-governor will have the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. Indeed, it appears that the man’s attorney has already hinted at their version of the facts in his statement that the allegations are based on disreputable sources.
Source: mysanantonio.com, Mexican ex-governor charged in Texas, Jason Buch, Dec. 2, 2013
