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Texas sheriff Martin Cuellar, brother of Rep. Henry Cuellar, indicted on fraud charges
Cuellar allegedly used county resources to run a $500,000 disinfecting business during COVID-19, splitting profits with co-defendants and facing five felony charges including fraud and money laundering.
- On Jan. 22, 2026, Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr. was indicted and the indictment was unsealed when he made his first court appearance, revealing five federal charges.
- Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr. and associates opened Disinfect Pro Master in April 2020, operating it through 2020–2022 using sheriff's office supplies, vehicles, and personnel while contracting with United Independent School District.
- Prosecutors traced proceeds to a 10‑acre purchase and tied the probe to FBI–San Antonio and Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, alleging Cuellar and two deputies each received about $175,000.
- Cuellar pleaded not guilty and was released on bond after his court appearance, facing up to 10 years in federal prison plus an additional 10 years for money laundering; Ricardo Rodriguez's sentencing is scheduled March 16.
- The timing followed last month's pardon of Henry and Imelda Cuellar and spawned political commentary, with Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina saying the indictment `should surprise absolutely no one`.
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Trump's pardon of House Dem Cuellar back in the spotlight as Cuellar's brother faces indictment
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr., brother of Trump-pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar, was indicted. The DOJ alleges he used staff, resources and funds for a COVID cleaning business.
·New York, United States
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Texas Sheriff, Brother of Pardoned Congressman Henry Cuellar, Indicted in Fraud Scheme
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar (D) and his Assistant Chief Deputy Alejandro Gutierrez made their initial appearance in federal court as part of a now-unsealed five-count indictment. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas alleges the pair was involved in a conspiracy with others to misappropriate county funds. Sheriff Cuellar is the brother of recently pardoned U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX). The post Texas She…
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources33
Leaning Left8Leaning Right7Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 31%
C 42%
R 27%
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