Eagle Pass Businessman Sentenced to Federal Prison in Connection with Maverick County Bribery, Kickback, and Bid-Rigging Scheme

In Del Rio this afternoon, 35-year-old Hipolito Amaya, owner of AM-ROD Construction based in Eagle Pass, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in connection with an alleged bribery, kickback, and bid-rigging scheme in Maverick County, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Alia Moses ordered that Amaya pay $35,800 restitution to Maverick County. Judge Moses also ordered that Amaya be placed under supervised release for a period of three years and must complete 500 hours of community service after completing his prison term.

In October, Amaya pleaded guilty to a bribery charge. By pleading guilty, Amaya admitted that in May 2011, he submitted a $35,800 bid to Maverick County to construct a concrete sidewalk on Lago Vista in Precinct 4 of Maverick County. Maverick County issued him a $17,900 check to commence work and then a $17,900 check for the completion of the sidewalk. Amaya further admitted that he made cash payments to two Maverick County employees so that he could be paid in full for work he never performed.

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 Attorney Michael Galdo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.