Former La Joya official convicted in bribery scheme

McALLEN, Texas – The former La Joya Independent School District (LJISD) assistant superintendent of Student Services has admitted to taking $28,000 in bribes, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jose Luis Morin, 41, Mission, pleaded guilty today and agreed to forfeit $28,000.

As part of the plea, Morin admitted to receiving approximately $28,000 as bribes beginning in 2019 for his official and favorable recommendations at LJISD. They pertained to energy savings contracts awarded to a company as well as job order contracts and facilitating the processing of pay applications related to those contracts. The LJISD school board subsequently approved the contracts Morin recommended.

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for April 19. At that time, Morin faces up to five years in federal prison.  

He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. is prosecuting the case.