The Monitor broke the story after receiving tips about a potential FBI raid at Edinburg City Hall on Monday.
They are reporting that Edinburg City Manager Richard Hinojosa is most likely a part of a federal investigation. Hinojosa was appointed as Edinburg City Manager in 2015 after serving as the city’s director of planning and zoning.
The City of Edinburg has released the following statement:
“The City of Edinburg is fully cooperating with an inquiry by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Therefore, any and all questions should be referred to the FBI”
If you know any information regarding the City of Edinburg’s FBI investigation, we’d like to speak to you.
You can email all of your tips to [email protected] or message our Facebook or Twitter pages.
Check back periodically for updates.
UPDATE 3:33 PM
Sources claiming to be close to the situation say it’s most likely due to possible “Pay-for-Play.” The last time FBI took similar action against city officials was back in 2013 during Progreso’s infamous Pay for Play scandal.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE 1:00 AM 3/1/2017
The FBI is investigating the agreement between The City of Edinburg and Total Commitment Construction Co, LLC., who is currently commissioned to provide “the padding, the site grading, the dirt, the foundation, the pavement and the utilities” for a housing project entitled “La Sienna Apartments.”
A special meeting on December 12th brought up potential conflict of interest issues between Edinburg Council member Homer Jasso and his brother-in-law who owns Total Commitment Construction and whom stands to make approximately $3 million dollars from the city contract.
City attorney Rick Palacios, deciding not to provide an opinion on the matter did state that the responsibility of declaring a conflict of interest and recuse themselves from a particular vote ultimately landed any council member in question (referring to Jasso).
After a contentious meeting between majority faction comprised of Council members Jasso, JR. Betancourt, and Mayor Richard Garcia and minority faction Council members Richard Molina and David Torres, the contracts to commission Total Commitment Construction were ultimately approved.
