Contributed photo
Contributed photo
MCALLEN, Texas – A former Hidalgo County district attorney faces charges related to a bribery case that allegedly also involves her brother, according to federal authorities.
Cynthia Nalleli Alanis, 27, was employed as an assistant district attorney for the county at the time of her arrest on Feb. 24 and was soon after terminated from her job, according to multiple reports. The U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Texas alleged Alanis made false statements while it was investigating a bribery case. She is the latest person charged in the investigation.
Alanis pleaded not guilty and posted her $50,000 bond.
The charges against Alanis stem from a bribery investigation involving Benito Barrientez, 42, of Lyford; Exy Adelaida Gomez, 42, of Los Fresnos; and Damian Ortiz, 30; and her brother, attorney Roel Alanis, 39, of McAllen.
The district attorney’s office alleges that Barrientes, Ortiz and Gomez acquired alien detainee roster lists while employed at detention centers and gave those names to Roel Alanis in exchange for money.
Roel Alanis, authorities allege, would then contact the detainees to get them to hire his law firm for legal representation during immigration proceedings.
Authorities alleged Cynthia Alanis was aware of her brother’s alleged operation and when questioned “she falsely stated she did not receive nor know of any alien detainee roster lists given to the Alanis law firm,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Texas said in a statement on Feb. 24. “However, the charges allege she had previously received detainee roster lists and also knew of such lists given to the law firm.”
The district attorney’s office alleges that the individuals tried to use bribery to obtain alien detainee roster lists.
According to the reports, Cynthia Alanis could face up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
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