South Texas Democrat District Attorney Armando Villalobos Indicted by Federal Grand Jury - Democrat Candidate for CD 34

In the past couple of weeks, I have been looking at politics in South Texas and the changing demographics as more and more people in the Rio Grande Valley have been moving away from the Democrat party to the Republican Party. This is partially because of the shift in values of the national Democrat party, but also because of the long-standing corruption of certain Democrats in this region.  

This was again illustrated in today's indictment by a Federal Grand Jury of Cameron County District Attorney (and Democrat candidate for the newly formed Congressional District 34) Armando Villalobos for receiving bribes and other violations of Federal Racketeering Acts.

The indictment contains 12 counts that include bribery charges, fixing trials and several violations of the Hobbs Act. Through the indictment, the US Attorney's Office will also seek forfeiture of Villalobos' property obtained from the proceeds of these alleged criminal acts.

Villalobos admitted this morning that he was the subject of the federal investigation. The investigation is believed to have come from an investigation of a murder case involving Amit Livingston according to an article by "The Monitor" today.

According to "Valley Central",

"According to the 34-page indictment, Villalobos is accused of, 'favoritism, extortion, improper influence, personal self-enrichment, self-dealing, concealment and conflict of interest.'

Villalobos is accused of 12 charges ranging from racketeering and extortion to mail fraud by accepting and soliciting bribes for favors in forfeiture and civil lawsuits.

His former private law practice partner Lucio is accused of seven charges of racketeering, extortion and mail fraud as part of the same indictment. The indictment alleges that some of the bribes were allegedly submitted in the form of "campaign contributions" to Villalobos."

As I am writing this article, Villabos and his alleged partner, Eduardo "Eddie" Lucio, have been arrested and will be arraigned this afternoon in a Federal Court.

In a news conference of hand selected reporters, prior to the indictment and arrest, Villalobos vowed to stay on as Cameron County District Attorney and continue in his race for the newly formed Congressional District 34 seat.

The voters of the Rio Grande Valley and all of CD 34 have an opportunity to send a message that we are no longer playing "politics as usual". Chicago is a northern city and it is time for Chicago style corruption to end in South Texas. Republican Candidate Adela Garza has a proven record of service to the community and a record of honesty and integrity.

Of this incident, Adela Garza said, "South Texas deserves a representative that has a proven track record of dedicated service to his or her community and integrity while in public office. I am running for Congress because I believe South Texas deserves a candidate willing to work for his or her constituents' best interests and not his or her own."

It is time to send a message. I urge voters in the CD-34 district to leave the Democrat Primary behind and come over to the Republican Primary where there are great candidates of honesty and integrity to choose from.

Related Content: Spotlight on the New Congressional District 34 in South Texas