STEVE GUERRA: FIRST KIDNAPPING, THEN HUACHICOL, NOW MEDICAID FRAUD?

Frankie Olivo Graphic with permission

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

Newly-published reports in social media have revealed that family members of current Cameron County Judge Democratic candidate Steve Guerra have been receiving Medicaid benefits designed to assist low-income families.

This, while Guerra is apparently living high off the hog, driving new vehicles, and have just finished construction a home in a subdivision where homes average in the $300,000+ appraised values.

Guerra is on the ballot as the Democratic candidate facing opponent Mauro Garza. Early voting started Oct. 19 and stretch until Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Unofficial sources have indicated that state and federal authorities are already looking into reports that the Guerras have been on the public dole for at least the past four years. If so, there has obviously been a gross failure in the system that would allow the disbursement of benefits to these well-to-do family members.

Medicaid covers low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors (age 65+), and people with disabilities. Eligibility depends on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)—typically up to 138 percent of the FPL in states that expanded Medicaid — as well as your state's specific rules, family size, and residency status.

For Guerra – who has refused to answer past documented charges of kidnapping and illegal fuel shipment to Mexico (huachicol) – this is the latest revelation which besmirch his character as a public official. Memes posted in social media throughout the political campaign have portrayed Guerra as an insatiable hog on the public through (see graphic at right).  

    

First it was documented charges in a civil lawsuit accusing Steve Guerra and two of his friends of kidnapping and assaulting a Brownsville student in Matamoros while both were attending St. Joseph Academy. That lawsuit names Guerra and two of his friends. The case is styled 2000-05-001896-D.

The petition to the court states that Guerra and the two other defendants lured the victim to Matamoros where the assault occurred. The record does not indicate the monetary arrangements for a settlement of the case.

"These are not rumors," the signs appearing on a roadside sign read. "These are allegations contained in a sworn court record. Voters deserve answers. Ask the hard questions. Is this the kind of leader you want in office? 

Then it was – also documented – Guerra exporting allegedly illegal fuel while he was a commissioner at the Port of Brownsville to cartel-controlled companies in Mexico to avoid paying Mexican taxes and pocketing millions of dollars through an LLC called Warrior Fuels. 

The huachicol scheme came to light when Guerra and Warrior Fuels were sued for non payment of some $333,484.47 and attached copies of 24 invoices totaling shipments of diesel and other petroleum products they had shipped at Warrior Fuel Traders' request over a one-month period in 2020 that had not been paid. 

In Cause No: 2022-DCL-5154-I plaintiff Key Performance lists a systematic record of transactions that make up the outstanding balance of Warrior Fuel Traders, LLC.

Government investigations revealed that Warrior Fuel Traders/Steve Guerra was in direct business with Pyrodiesel Del Cento SA de CV. Pyrodiesel has been named as a principal in cartel fuel smuggling activities (huachicol) of petroleum by the Federal Criminal Intelligence Center of Mexico. https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/huachicoleros-controlaban-puertos-pa%C3%ADs-060000638.html 

More questions are now being raised on the alleged drawing of Medicaid payments for dental and medical services meant for low-income families: 

Is Guerra living high off the hog on taxpayer dollars?

If eventually confirmed, is it fair for someone living in a newly-constructed luxury home, driving brand-new vehicles, and sending their children to private school to receive Medicaid benefits intended to support low-income families?

Could the Democratic nominee for Cameron County Judge be exploiting a taxpayer-funded program designed to assist families who genuinely need financial assistance? Voters of Cameron County deserve answers.