South Texas Mayor Arrested, Accused of Bribery and Fraud

McALLEN, Texas – The Mayor of Penitas has been charged with bribery and fraud.

Authorities took Rodrigo Lopez, 38, into custody today as he re-entered the United States at a Port of Entry in Hidalgo County.

The two-count indictment, returned June 1 and unsealed Monday, chargesb Lopez with embezzling or fraudulently obtaining property of the La Joya Independent School District (LJISD). From March through August of 2018, LJISD allegedly made purchases totaling approximately $70,010 from Lopez’s company Xizaka LLC.

Lopez offered or gave a bribe to an LJISD employee in connection with these purchases, according to the allegations.

If convicted, Lopez faces up to 10 years on each count.