Staff -

Del Rio

On Wednesday, the first five people accused in the gasoline fraud incident involving the inappropriate usage of fuel cards appeared in a Del Rio Federal Courtroom. According to the US Department of Justice, the amount of the fraud against the City of eagle Pass was in the $68,000.00 range and occurred from November of 2011 through May of 2012. According to authorities their appearance in court was to hear the charges set forth before them. None were detained, however they were required to pay a fine in order to regain their freedom. Of the five accused, four were present with their legal counsel. Chief Antonio Castañeda informed The News Gram that the case remains open and the possibility exists that more accusations may be filed. The accused are as follows: Edgar Aguilar, 27, Rene Castillo, 25, Armando Ojeda Nuncio, 43, Ricardo Hernandez Espinoza, 39 and Elizabeth Vivian, 30. They face charges of conspiracy to commit fraud through the use of credit cards. Additionally, Aguilar, Castillo, Ojeda and Hernandez also face charges of having committed fraud. It is also included in the accusation was the fact that they may have used the cards for financial gain. If found guilty the accused may face up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.00 for the conspiracy charges. The four men may also be facing additional sentences of up to 10 years in prison for the fraud charges. These accusations do not constitute guilt until it is determined by Federal Court.