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A.D. Ibarra
-Compass Bank
According to Peggy Stock former Nurse Supervisor for the EPISD. a much healthier lifestyle which will benefit you in many ways may just be two simple concerted decisions away.
"Many times we make resolutions to diet, or to eat healthier, we end up breaking those promises and going right back to our normal routines," said Stock at a recent meeting of the Maverick County Retired School Personnel Association, "We should be eating more fruits and vegetables, more whole grain foods, use olive oil, canola or sunflower oils and to eat more fish and chicken."
Press Release
-FBI/Department of Justice
Los Zetas associate and Eagle Pass, TX, resident Jose Luis Rodriguez (a.k.a. “Pollo”), age 36, faces up to life in federal prison after a jury in San Antonio convicted him this afternoon of federal kidnapping and drug charges announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse, San Antonio Division, and Acting Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Division.
The Texas Education Agency announced today the nomination of 25 Texas public schools for national 2014 Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. Founded in 1982, Blue Ribbon Schools is a U.S. Department of Education program that recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels.
The nominated schools in Texas include Eagle Pass’ very own Liberty Elementary.
All schools that have been nominated for the 2014 honor were selected as exemplary high performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Each school has an economically disadvantaged population of 40 percent or greater.
The nominations are an early step in the process of awarding National Blue Ribbons, which have been given to more 7,000 schools across the nation since its inception in 1982. Last year, 286 schools received the distinction. The U.S. Department of Education will announce this year’s winners in September.
Liberty Elementary has been awarded the Blue Ribbon distinction in 2008 and will once again complete a rigorous application process through the U.S. Department of Education.
Congratulations on the excellent service Liberty Elementary is providing to their students.
Mexico's Sinaloa drug chief arrested
ALICIA A. CALDWELL, Associated Press
ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press
MARK STEVENSON, Associated Press
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The world's most-wanted drug lord, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, arrived at the Mexico City airport after his arrest early Saturday and was being taken directly to prison, said Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam.
Guzman appeared in a white shirt and dark pants and had a mustache and full head of dark hair as he was held at the neck and escorted by two masked marines.
A massive operation that mushroomed through the western Mexican state of Sinaloa between Feb. 13 and 17 netted Guzman, who was captured at 6:40 a.m. by Mexican marines at the Miramar condominium along the waterfront in the resort city of Mazatlan, officials said.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto confirmed the arrest on his Twitter account Saturday afternoon.
Guzman, 56, was found with an unidentified woman, said one official not authorized to be quoted by name, adding that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marshals Service were "heavily involved" in the capture. No shots were fired.
FEDERAL JURY IN SAN ANTONIO CONVICTS LOS ZETAS ASSOCIATE IN DRUG
DISTRIBUTION AND KIDNAPPING SCHEME
Los Zetas associate and Eagle Pass, TX, resident Jose Luis Rodriguez (a.k.a. “Pollo”), age 36, faces up to life in
federal prison after a jury in San Antonio convicted him this afternoon of federal kidnapping and drug charges
announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse, San
Antonio Division, and Acting Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple,
Houston Division.
The jury convicted Rodriguez of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, three
substantive counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of conspiracy to kidnap.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that from September 2006 until April 2007, Rodriguez and others
conspired to distribute more than 1,600 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico through Eagle Pass and transported
it to San Antonio then ultimately to Cleveland, OH; Memphis, TN; Saginaw, MI; and, New York, NY. During
the course of the investigation, authorities seized a total of approximately 113 kilograms of cocaine and in
excess of $2 million in drug proceeds attributed to Rodriguez and his co-conspirators.
Evidence also revealed that Rodriguez and others conspired in early 2007 to unlawfully kidnap an Eagle Pass
resident and hold him hostage in Piedras Negras, Mexico, for the purpose of collecting money and property in
order to satisfy an illegal drug debt owed by the Eagle Pass resident.
Rodriguez, who was arrested in Mexico on a provisional arrest warrant and extradited to the U.S. last year,
remains in federal custody. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2014, before United States District Judge
Royce C. Lamberth.
This case was investigated by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement
Administration.
FORMER RESERVE AIRMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
AND BURGLARIZING A DEL RIO PHARMACY
In Del Rio today, 20-year-old Simon Robert Barron, a former reserve U.S. Airman temporarily assigned to
Laughlin Air Force Base, pleaded guilty federal charges of stealing Government property and burglary of a
pharmacy announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman.
According to court records, on May 20, 2013, Barron attempted to purchase cough syrup at the LifeChek
Pharmacy located on North Bedell Avenue, but was turned away for not having a prescription. That evening,
Barron returned to the pharmacy where he used a rock to smash a window, entered the pharmacy, and then stole
an assortment of narcotics with a retail value of more than $63,000. Two days later, while at Laughlin AFB,
Barron was ordered to undergo a medical evaluation after he appeared intoxicated. A urinalysis revealed the
presence of marijuana, Xanax, cocaine, codeine, and several opiates in his system. During a subsequent search
authorization, issued by a military magistrate and executed at the Barron’s barracks room, Air Force OSI
investigators discovered over 6,300 pills and liquid narcotics stolen from the LifeChek pharmacy along with
stolen Government property including seven GPS units, two digital cameras, a power drill, an LED flashlight
and a Motorola Radio Base Station. Authorities also recovered an Air Force air compressor from Barron’s
vehicle and a Government chainsaw Barron pawned at a local pawn shop on the day of the pharmacy burglary.
The value of the stolen Government property is estimated to be more than $5,500.
Barron faces up to twenty years in federal prison on the pharmacy burglary charge and up to ten years in federal
prison on the theft of Government property charge. He remains on bond pending sentencing which has yet to be
scheduled.
This investigation was conducted by agents with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations together with the
Del Rio Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Burke is prosecuting this case on behalf
of the Government.
County Auditor responds to latest criticism
A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
County Auditor Fidencio Ortiz was contacted by The Eagle Pass News Gram in reference to recent public statements by several key members of county government on the efficiency of his department and the lack of a completed 2012 Audit which is stifling several key county programs and public services.
"The situation with the audits is nothing new," stated Ortiz, "It's been like that for four or five years."
He says that many of the inconsistencies found within the audit (As reported in The News Gram back when the 2011 audit was approved) such as deficient accounting records, no financial reporting process and no budget monitoring on expenses and accounts payable were common place.
"You can go back in the books to any time of any year and the county was in the red, rarely was it in the black," he added.
"Their financial advisor has been here for six years since 2008 and all this was going on and his solution was 'If you need more money, I'll get you more money' and he would get $60 to 80,000.00 in fees and the financing people all got fees, everyone got percentages."
The year he says the federal government began getting involved was 2010 after, he says, that then auditor Carlos Pereda advised Commissioner's Court of budget shortfalls and in response, commissioner's court continued approving contracts.
"That's what got them in trouble, they went over the edge and it blew up in their faces."
SAUL LOMBRANIA PLEADS GUILTY TO ROLE IN
MAVERICK COUNTY BRIBERY, KICKBACK AND BID-RIGGING SCHEME
In Del Rio today, 64-year-old Saul Lombrano, owner and operator of Fiesta Contractors based in Eagle Pass,
admitted to paying a bribe in order to receive a Maverick County construction contract announced United States
Attorney Robert Pitman and Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse, San Antonio Division.
Appearing before United States District Judge Alia Moses this afternoon, Lombrano pleaded guilty to one count
of paying a bribe to an agent of an organization receiving federal funds. By pleading guilty, Lombrano
admitted that in March 2011, he submitted a $14,500 bid to construct 155 linear feet of concrete drain swell on
Rafael Street in Precinct 1. After being awarded the contract, Lombrano never constructed the concrete drain
swell, but requested and received full payment for the project. Of the $14,500 he received, Lombrano
admittedly only kept $5,000 while giving the rest to a Maverick County employee as a bribe.
Lombrano faces up to ten years in federal prison, a maximum $250,000 fine and restitution to be determined by
the Court. He remains on bond pending sentencing which has yet to be scheduled.
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 Attorneys Michael
Galdo and Bryan Reeves are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
Big plans are in place for Eagle Pass and the entire nine county area covered by the Middle Rio Grande Development Council through their Economic Development Administration Grant Program. Yesterday at the Special Meeting of the Eagle Pass City Council, Executive Director Leodoro Martinez and MRGDC Administrator Johnny Ruiz were in town to unveil a much needed project which will construct a paved road which will alleviate vehicle congestion in an area of the city which experiences traffic problems daily. Encino Park in front of Cerna Elementary. The proposed project will construct a two-sided 2,200 linear foot street north and south which essentially will connect Encino Park with Second Street. The new byway will also house commercial projects such as two restaurants which will relocate to this area, a day care and a hotel all of which will generate at least 100 jobs in Eagle Pass.
STARTING THE SEASON WITH A BANG
The victorious Lady Eagles slam and pitch their way to a fantastic, nail-biting season-opening comeback triumph over the Lady Dragons
Eagle Pass 10, Southwest San Antonio 9
By MARK and BECKY OCHS
News Gram Sportswriters
Melanie Mendoza smashed a 250-foot grand-slam homer, knotting the score at 5 in the fourth inning and paving the way for the triumphant Lady Eagles to come from behind at the end of the game, pleasing their cheering crowd of adoring fans by winning 10-9 over the San Antonio Southwest High School Lady Dragons on Tuesday.night, February 18, at the Student Activity Center softball stadium. Sitting in the stands and cheering from behind home plate, Melanie's Nana, Sandra Moreno, said proudly: "That's my granddaughter! She is so great, and her sister Sandra is too. They are such awesome girls. Melanie is a sophomore and Sandra is a senior. They always come through when the going gets tough and the chips are down. That's when they shine -- when you really need them." This Eagles softball team never gives up. Trailing by a score of 9-7 to the Dragons in the bottom of the seventh and final inning, the Eagles staged a furious three-run rally and won the game 10-9 on a bases-loaded walk issued to Crystal Perez that clinched the glorious, scintillating, come-from-behind, season-opening, walk-off win. The mastermind of all this -- the beaming Eagles Head Coach Oscar Ruiz -- was thrilled by the amazing, against-all-odds victory. "This team just doesn't quit," he said proudly, smiling contentedly while savoring the magic of the moment. "We play a complete seven innings, and we win, no matter what. All of us hate to lose. No matter what happens, we just keep on fighting until we win." Superstar winning pitcher Krystal "Kat" De La Cruz (1-0) just kept on firing rising heaters throughout the night, mixed in with her magical, sinking sliders. The stylish, fire-balling, left-handed Kat was absolutely fabulous, She showed yet again why the big-time college scouts from Texas and Oklahoma are drooling over the prospect of recruiting her to pitch for them. Kat is a gem of a softball player -- a tall, silky-smooth, reliable ace who also is a quiet, calm, determined team leader. Kat simply refuses to fold, hanging in there until she finally notches the win. It was a great team victory for the quietly celebrating Eagles. Catcher Claudia "C.C." Cruz, and every outfielder and infielder all played crucial roles in the amazingly miraculous outcome of this Game For The Ages. The willowy, confident Kat De La Cruz appeared every bit the spitting image of her look-alike role model -- Cat Osterman, the University of Texas Longhorns' World Series ace and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist. "They played great," the cool Kat said of her hard-charging Eagles teammates after the intensely fought, neck-and-neck contest was over at last. "They always had my back. They played as a team, right down to the happy ending." Crystal Perez, the steady left fielder who drove in the winning run by drawing a free pass, was exhilarated by the Eagles walk-off heroics. "We were patient and we took the game, one hit at a time," she said, smiling with relief at the favorable outcome. "This is the perfect way to start the season," she added. "We want to do great things and go really far." Another pair of sisters also played crucial parts in sparking the Eagles' win. Rangy centerfielder Monica Flores expertly patrolled the outfield, displaying her senior leadership while also swatting an RBI double in the first inning. Monica's sister, Nina Flores, a budding sophomore star, anchored the hot corner at third base. Right fielder Vivian Ramirez ripped an RBI double in the fourth. Things looked grim for the home team at the opening of the seventh and final inning. The Eagles were down 9-7, but Daniela Velasquez led off the inning with a walk. Kat followed with another walk. Melanie Mendoza slammed an RBI double off the right-centerfield fence, trimming the Dragons' lead to 9-8. She went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a fielder's choice, tying the score at 9 and eliciting roars from the frenzied throng of Eagles fanatics. Sandra Mendoza also walked, loading the bases with two out. The tense, awestruck, boisterous Eagles fans held their breath, crossed their fingers, made the Sign of the Cross and sat on the edge of their seats as the dangerous Crystal Perez came to the plate with the game on the line. Perez's patience ultimately paid off as she walked on five pitches, setting off thunderous applause and shouts of triumph from the enraptured, victorious onlookers, reveling in the rarefied air of their bodacious success. Those Eagles fans will never forget THIS victory, which just very well might portend the promising potential of very big things to come in this spring softball season of 2014.
