Sheriff Indicted on Drug Charges

S. Texas Sheriff Indicted, Held on Federal Drug Charges

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Sheriff Indicted on Drug Charges

KIIITV News

Story Created: Oct 14, 2008 at 5:50 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 14, 2008 at 5:50 PM CST

McALLEN, Texas (AP) - A South Texas sheriff who was arrested today in a federal drug investigation must remain in custody until a hearing Friday.

Starr County Sheriff Reymundo "Tio" Guerra was indicted on conspiracy-related drug charges alleging he was involved in a large-scale cocaine and marijuana smuggling operation.

Guerra appeared before a magistrate in McAllen. The government wants the 52-year-old lawman held without bond until trial.

Starr County Judge Eloy Vera says Sheriff's Chief Deputy Rene Fuentes will run the department for now.

Few details about Guerra's alleged involvement have been released, but Vera said it is a blow to the reputation of a county trying to clean up its image.

In 1998, Guerra's predecessor, Sheriff "Gene" Falcon Jr., pleaded guilty to conspiracy. An informant paid Falcon $11,050 in bribes for inmate referrals.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-10-14-08 1833EDT

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