Cameron County Tax Collector-Assessor Accused of Bribery

On Wednesday, January 6th, federal and state agents raided the county administrative building and arrested four county officials on public corruption charges, including Cameron County Tax Assessor-Collector Antonio “Tony” Yzaguirre, Jr.

District attorney for Cameron County Luis V. Saenz said his office led a two-year investigation, dubbed Operation Dirty Deeds, into bribery, organized criminal activity and official oppression in the tax assessor-collector’s office.

The investigation “centered on certain questionable actions and activities” of Yzaguirre’s office, Saenz said, reading from a prepared statement on the steps of the county administrative building.

“As this investigation developed, it transitioned into a multiagency effort,” he said

Also arrested were Jose Mireles, chief of investigations and enforcement at the county tax office, Pedro Garza, an investigator for the office, and Omar Sanchez-Paz, a clerk.

All four men are charged with four counts of bribery, a second degree felony, engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony, and official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor.

County Judge Pete Sepulveda, Jr is asking for the public to hold off on trying to take care of business at the tax offices throughout Cameron County until there is further clearance and direction from the law enforcement authorities.

“This afternoon I was informed that the entire tax office where the search warrant was executed yesterday at the Courthouse Administration Building in Brownsville needed to remain closed,” Sepulveda said in a press release.

“This means that all operations, including property tax collections, in the Cameron County Tax Assessor-Collector’s offices at the Courthouse are closed until further notice.”

Those citizens needing to pay taxes are asked to visit any of several locations throughout Cameron County or to go online to pay if possible. As more information becomes available Sepulveda’s office will communicate it with the taxpayers and residents of Cameron County.

In addition, anyone needing to take care of business with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles can do so at area HEB’s countywide, A.V. Lopez Supermarket in Brownsville (International Blvd.) and AMEX Check Cashing in Brownsville (Price Rd).