Eagle Pass Businessman 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 10 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.