El Paso Attorney Luther Jones and Former El Paso County District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison

United States Attorney John E. Murphy and FBI Special Agent in Charge David Cuthbertson announced that El Paso attorney Luther Jones and El Paso County District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez were each sentenced today to six years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for scheming to deprive El Paso County and it’s citizens of the right to the honest services of elected members of the El Paso County Commissioner’s Court. In addition, United States District Judge Frank Montalvo ordered that Jones pay a $50,000 fine.

“The sentences imposed today send a strong message that those who have attempted to corrupt members of the El Paso County government will be held accountable for their actions and that such dishonesty will not be tolerated,” stated United States Attorney John E. Murphy.

In April, a federal jury found Jones and Sanchez guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and deprivation of honest services and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and deprivation of honest services.

Evidence presented during trial revealed that from October 2003 until July 2004, Jones and Sanchez conspired with others in a scheme to secure a multimillion dollar document imaging contract between El Paso County and one of Luther Jones’ clients. Specifically, Jones offered bribes in the form of cash, travel expenses to Las Vegas and gratuities to Sanchez, which Sanchez accepted, for his support of the contract and influence in his official capacity as an elected public servant. In addition, Sanchez directed another county employee, with assistance from Jones, to structure a Request for Proposal (RFP) with limitations embedded in the RFP that would assist Jones’ client in securing the contract. Furthermore, Jones caused cash bribes in the form of campaign contributions to be paid to a member of the El Paso County Commissioners Court for support in securing the multi-million-dollar vendor contract for his client.

“The sentences imposed today reflect the seriousness of the crimes that the defendants have been convicted of. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to seek justice for El Paso citizens through the thorough and timely investigation of all credible allegations of public corruption in our community,” stated David Cuthbertson, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, El Paso Division.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Franco Gregory and Antonio Franco, Jr., prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.