Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, the brother of Democrat U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, faces a state court hearing Thursday as proceedings move forward in an effort to remove him from office while he awaits trial on federal fraud and money laundering charges.
A docket control conference is set for 9 a.m. in the 49th District Court in the case seeking Cuellar’s removal under Chapter 87 of the Texas Local Government Code.
The removal petition was filed in May by former Laredo City Councilman Alfonso “Poncho” Casso, who alleges Cuellar committed official misconduct based on the conduct underlying a federal criminal indictment returned last year.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Cuellar conspired with former Webb County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Ricardo Rodriguez and others to operate a private disinfecting business during the COVID-19 pandemic using sheriff’s office employees, equipment, and other county resources.
Federal prosecutors allege the business, Disinfect Pro Master, secured a $500,000 contract to disinfect schools in the United Independent School District while relying almost entirely on sheriff’s office personnel and supplies to perform the work.
The indictment further alleges Cuellar, Rodriguez, and another individual each received approximately one-third of the company’s profits, with Cuellar allegedly using a portion of his proceeds to purchase property in Laredo.
Cuellar has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Rodriguez previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Cuellar’s federal criminal trial is currently scheduled for October.
The removal case is being prosecuted by Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton after Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz recused himself from the proceedings.
Under Texas law, certain county officials may be removed from office for official misconduct, incompetency, intoxication, or failure to maintain a required bond. Thursday’s hearing is expected to address scheduling and other case management matters as the removal case moves forward.
His brother Henry Cuellar separately faced federal bribery and corruption charges before prosecutors dismissed the case following a pardon from President Donald Trump.
The Webb County Sheriff’s Office told Texas Scorecard that Cuellar has no comment at this time.
