Former Political Consultant Antonio Dill Sentenced to Federal Prison in El Paso Corruption Case

This afternoon, former El Paso political consultant Antonio Dill was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for his role in a “pay-to-play” scheme uncovered during the ongoing public corruption investigation in El Paso, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist.

United States District Judge Frank Montalvo also ordered that the 44–year-old Dill pay a $25,000 fine. Furthermore, Judge Montalvo ordered that Dill surrender to federal authorities on or before February 4, 2014, to begin serving his prison term.

Dill, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and deprivation of honest services, admitted that in 2007, he served as a “middle man” in a bribery scheme involving former El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos. According to court records, Dill received a $1,500 cash bribe that he forwarded to Cobos for his vote and influence in refinancing approximately $40 million of El Paso County debt and to terminate the then El Paso County financial advisor’s contract to be replaced with another company.

This FBI investigation has resulted in 39 federal convictions—36 individuals who entered guilty pleas and three individuals who were convicted by juries.

Assistant United States Attorney Debra Kanof prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.