Federal Authorities Arrest Eagle Pass Contractor In Connection With Maverick County Bribery, Kickback And Bid-rigging Scheme

In Eagle Pass, Texas, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Jose Telles, Jr, operator of 4x4 Construction, in connection with an alleged bribery, kickback and bid-rigging scheme announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez.

A federal grand jury indictment, returned yesterday and unsealed today, charges the 43-year-old Eagle Pass resident with one count of paying a bribe to an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. The indictment alleges that in November 2009, Telles submitted a $30,200 bid to Maverick County to construct inlets and junction boxes in Precinct 1 of Maverick County. Telles was awarded the contract by Maverick County after agreeing to pay half of his profits—$5,000—to a Maverick County Commissioner for being awarded the contract. 4x4 Construction received a $15,100 check in November 2009 and a second $15,100 check in June 2010; in return Telles paid the Maverick County Commissioner.

Upon conviction, Telles faces up to ten years in federal prison.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Individuals who have first-hand information about corruption, fraud, or bribery related to Maverick County are urged to contact the FBI at (210) 225-6741. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Galdo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.