Cameron County Tax Assessor-Collector Tony Yzaguirre Jr. – three days after he was arrested on three charges – said the corruption allegations against him and his staff are "unfounded" and said District Attorney Luis V. Saenz is desperate in his own reelection bid and is prosecuting him for political reasons.
"My good name, my family and my staff have been tainted with the events of last week for the political benefit of our district attorney, Luis Saenz," Yzaguirre said Monday morning during a news conference at the county administration building. "The allegations against me are unfounded."
A grand jury indicted Yzaguirre on four counts of bribery, a second-degree felony; engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony; and official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor.
Yzaguirre is running unopposed in the Democratic Party primary and no candidates announced for this position in the Republican Party. Saenz is facing Democrat Carlos Masso in the Democratic primary and Jeremy Sorelle in the general election in November.
Early voting starts Feb. 16 in both primaries.
According to a press release given out by Saenz at a press conference after Yzaguirre's arrest, the Texas Department of Public Safety worked with the District Attorney's Office and other law enforcement partners on the investigation. They called the case "Operation Dirty Deeds."
"The charges are based on events that supposedly occurred in September of last year. However, that did not stop Mr. Saenz from arresting me at my office, searching my home and office, and releasing information to the public that is intended to imply guilt," Yzaguirre's read from a prepared statement. "By doing these things, Mr. Saenz is trying these allegations before the public and not in a court of law. All this was done poorly and unprofessionally. I ask that the citizens of this county hold off judgment until all the facts have been presented."
Yzaguirre vowed to remain in office until he's acquitted.
"The charges are based on events that supposedly occurred in September of last year. However, that did not stop Mr. Saenz from arresting me at my office, searching my home and office, and releasing information to the public that is intended to imply guilt," Yzaguirre's read from a prepared statement. "By doing these things, Mr. Saenz is trying these allegations before the public and not in a court of law. All this was done poorly and unprofessionally. I ask that the citizens of this county hold off judgment until all the facts have been presented."
Yzaguirre vowed to remain in office until he's acquitted.
An affidavit affidavits released by Saenz detail how an informant said he passed cash to Yzaguirre in exchange for registering vehicles without going through the normal process.
Also arrested were Pedro Garza, Omar Sanchez-Paz and Jose Mireles on related corruption charges.
Also arrested were Pedro Garza, Omar Sanchez-Paz and Jose Mireles on related corruption charges.
Yzaguirre's attorney – former district judge Robert Garza – was present during the Yzaguirre press conference held at his office.
What the political fallout from the Yzaguirre arrest will have on the Saenz-Masso race in uncertain. However, Yzaguirre has not lost an election that he's run in Cameron County. Besides Sheriff Omar Lucio, he is considered one of the anchors of the Democratic Party and could conceivable hurt Saenz by throwing his weight behind his opponent.
Saenz's FB page recently posted pictures of him on the campaign trail with his supporters, including his nephew Victor Garcia (in cap in back row) who got deferred adjudication for a DWI where a pedestrian was struck and left lying on the expressway. Critics have said Garcia's treatment, as well as his sister Kacey's, is proof that the DA has shown favoritism to friends and family and selectively prosecutes others.
"Office holders are looking over their shoulder to see who Saenz goes after next to make the media splash," said a local political campaign worker present at the event. "Luis has shown that he is not above eating his own to get reelected."
What the political fallout from the Yzaguirre arrest will have on the Saenz-Masso race in uncertain. However, Yzaguirre has not lost an election that he's run in Cameron County. Besides Sheriff Omar Lucio, he is considered one of the anchors of the Democratic Party and could conceivable hurt Saenz by throwing his weight behind his opponent.Saenz's FB page recently posted pictures of him on the campaign trail with his supporters, including his nephew Victor Garcia (in cap in back row) who got deferred adjudication for a DWI where a pedestrian was struck and left lying on the expressway. Critics have said Garcia's treatment, as well as his sister Kacey's, is proof that the DA has shown favoritism to friends and family and selectively prosecutes others.
"Office holders are looking over their shoulder to see who Saenz goes after next to make the media splash," said a local political campaign worker present at the event. "Luis has shown that he is not above eating his own to get reelected."
39 comments:
These were the Tactics of Villilobos and where did that get him, only time will tell, let us see what comes next.
Ratas de dos patas: Yzaguirre, Rivera, Aurora, Joe Rdz, Cesar, Carlos, the Sucio Lucios, the Sanchez "Marrano" brothers, Eel, hooters, and la panoch Trevino
Saenz has so far not prosecuted any local/Cameron County corruption; so this sounds possible. Saenz is a self-promoter, as we have seen in his use of advertisement using his name....not any real positive results from his office. We tend to agree that this was a set up because Yzaguirre refused to support Saenz.
Your X employees gave you up bro !!! Tony menchaca and Eduardo !!! Start praying cuz you going to need it
(YZAGUIRRE: ARREST POLITICALLY MOTIVATED BY)
The fucking nerve of this asshole. Gawd, I hope he does some serious time. I hope he says that to the judge.
Myalik.
Bullshit- people know Yzaguirre is guilty as can be and he isn't alone. Now every crook running for office who gets caught is going to claim its political and not their greed.
This does not make Izaguirre innocent, it just shows how much corruption is perpetrated by Cameron elected officials and supported by the Brownsville voters.
Oye Tony Yzaguirre, you fucking idiot! Of course it was politically motiviated! That's all you can say since you did get caught accepting a bribe and while undercover officers monitored. You're not that innocent you crooked SOB! We, the ones with common sense in Cameron County know that you got something back when you gave the vehicle registration, etc... to the mother of an employee and then claim that you didn't know that was his mother, por favor. You just got to comfortable in your office. You know, there is an FBI report that your auto theft task force officers were registering vehicles fraudulently. Prove me wrong, check the reports!
You got what you and the other three deserved. And you Al Padilla, giving personal bonds? You're such a piece of shit that you don't deserve to serve the public as a magistrate. These are public officials who the taxpayers of CC are supposed to trust and you let them go, ah que pendejo!
A poor excuse will not get him anywhere. I applaud Luis Saenz for finally stepping in.
THE MEXICAN WAY: Little games for little minds.
Bull shit !!!
Right. The FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety are going to get knee deep in an investigation that has no teeth?? Seriously. I'd be doing some long term family planning to get prepared for those dark, lonely nights in jail.
(family planning to get prepared for those dark, lonely nights in jail.)
Bubba, will be keeping him company. I can assure you of that.
Myalik.
This asshole has been a crook for years. By insisting that tax and registration checks be made out to him he has kept his name front and center for the next election. And it worked, but Tony got too comfortable over the years thinking he was invincible. You can bet this dirt bag has been doing this for years.
Todos bola de ratas baratas!!
Yes he is doing his job that's why the crooks hate him but we the voters can see through all the billshit !! He will get my vote
The voters can see through the lies he is telling !! He has been on the take for a long time !!
Very true !
You all are hilarious. Nothing and I mean NOTHING will happen to him. IF found guilty, he'll get the classic slap on the wrist, (the Cameron County way) and he will be told to resign so he can keep his marching funds pension.
The primary investigation was initiated by the Texas Department of Public safety and then picked up some Federal overtones. Not bloody likely it was a Saenz thing, but worth a try. Who knows the ignoranti down here might by it.
I agre that Luis Saenz has not prosecuted corruption until now, Ernie Hernandez is free to run again, Erin got cought several times doing illegal things in the little time that she was judge, Linda Salazar has never been investigated despite all the complaints, the politiqueras that have been manipulating elections for 40 years spent one day in jail Aurora de la garza and her son are super dirty and Luis looked the other way, but this does not make tony izaguirre les guilty, the sad part is the FBI works their ass off trying to build up a Casa and our corrupt judges and district attorney give a little slap in the wrist to all those crooks, I am sure that tony will be out in his job and ready for reelection in no time, yes it is political but but Masso is not any better, he was the politiqueras' attorney and did not let them talk because he was the one who hired them, Norma Hernandez iand all her crew of crooked politiqueras is helping in his campaign we are doomed.
OK, here is the scoop. The FBI does not get involved in state charges that Tony was charged with. The FBI allowed the DA Saenz to get his time in the media for his re-election. sometime this summer, the FBI will arrest Tony again for his dealing with properties he and Tony Menchaca dealt with. that's where you need to plan Tony, its coming and you know it is. Just quit cause the real Slim Shady is already knocking on your home.
Tony of course its political your an elected official moron, how many times have you gottn away with before for the last 28 years? Well this time you got caught but i know you will only get a slap on the wrist, retire and keep your nice county retirement check, wish they set you free but no retirement check forvyou that should be part of your plea bargain culero
You hit it right on the spot now let's not vote them into office.
Mr. Yzaguirre, You can spin it anyway you want to but "You are toast, Dude".
Anonymous at 9:27.....learn to spell before calling anyone ignorant.
If I were Ysaguirre I would demand the same deal as Ernie Hernandez. Equal protection? Saenz let Ernie Hernandez resign gracefully and never face charges, why not Yzaguirre also.
When Ernie Hernandez' test taking nepotism case, getting his brother a Cameron county job, carried over from Villalobos term. But Saenz was even nicer than Villalobos and let Ernie off scott free. Never convicted his daughter for the fake marriage waivers she was charging for, or the $800 bribe, or the vote fraud. Never followed through on the candidates who paid the politiqueras. Aurora de la Garza, let her resign. Abuses much worse than taking $100 for a car title.
Saenz established a 4 year pattern of not prosecuting official misconduct, corruption or abuse of office. If I were Tony Y, though equally guilty, I would be asking, why am I being treated differently under the law?
It is time to end corruption in Brownsville. Corruption hurts everyone. This is not Saenz's gig. The charges are the result of an undercover investigation by the Texas Department of Safely. Luis Saenz just executed the charges and he was lucky on the timing. DPS would not support the charges publically if they didn't have a rock solid case. Yzaguirre will become friends with Bubba in jail soon.
Tony menchaca is coming for tony yzaguirre!!
So true !!!!! Menchaca has spoken with the FBI about all his shady dealings !! Tony is finished !!
Hey Yzaguirre, what about the 2000+ properties that are under Tony Menchacas name, he used to be an employee under you and now the guy is rich in properties!!
Tony Karma baby, remember how many people you hurt along your way to get to the top since you were at the City of Brownsville culero, time to pay the piper dude. Estas frito dude. Adios mother, got to pay what you owe ese.
The above accidental typing error person is actually quite insightful and a person in the know... at 8:23 you are a shill
All the ignorant conspiracy theorists continue represent the RGV as a politically, socially and economically inept region. Ask yourself how can all RGV politicians be corrupt? This is impossible and plays into the few Federal authorities that have historically destroyed and restrained positive growth in our RGV. This ignorance and finger pointing plays into the hands that controll economy, education and progress. Since the 1800s in a cycle to date you can track what Federal and State Law enforcement and Judicial systems have done to the people of the RGV, from the Texas Ranger shooting, murdering and raping people to control voting and Federal agencies legally stealing from the RGV people by not diverting appropriate amount if tax dollars that belong our RGV.
It's time to stand for what is right and stop the infighting. If we could just unify ourselves we could control our destiny instead of being controlled and manipulated.
You are an ignorant fool. You continue to represent the bottom of the food chain.
YZAGUIRRE....mucho mas comentarios en tu contra que a favor. muy mal concejo de el ex juez y ahora tu abogado salir a dar una conferencia de prensa.SI YA HAS MAMADO POR 28 ANOS YA ES HORA QUE DEJES LA TETERA NO SEAS pendejo Y RETIRATE PORQUE COMO SE VE VAS A IR A PARAR AL BOTE VOMO DIJO UN COMENTARISTA TE VAS A ENCONTRAR CON 'BUBA'
And you forgot the Mayor snd commissioners especially la Rata de Rick Longoria milking the city and bisd at the same time like he's personal life his quite
the multi Tasker
Tony el Transas, Tony didn't know you had change your name, well you screwed up commadante, you should had been a little more careful and 2 more years and retired with 30 years of wonderful service and a nice full pension. Now puro disgrace, oh my family reputation is hurt, im super clean, lots of tears etc, come on tony everyone that knows you since you were doing these kind of dealings at the City of Brownsville building inspection & tax office departments many years ago and then you carried them over to the county level. So I am not surprised but what I am surprised is that you were finally caught. Karma baby, Karma. Think of your sins. Repent. JB
AND IN ALL THIS WHERE IS THE COUNTY SHERIFF? GUS AND CAPT. CARLITOS WERE NOT ADVISED,THEY WOULD HAVE ALERTED THE OTHER SIDE AS TO WHAT WAS COMMING DOWN THE PIPES;AND YES CAPT. CARLITOS YOU DO NEED TO TAKE THAT JOB OFFER FROM BROWNSVILLE; BEFORE THEY BUST YOU TO A MICKEY MOUSE JOB AT THE COURT HOUSE PARKING LOT;
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