Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr. Faces Corruption Charges in COVID-19 Scheme

Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr., brother of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar, has been indicted on federal public corruption charges for allegedly misusing county resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Justice Department, Cuellar and his assistant chief, Alejandro Gutierrez, allegedly diverted public funds, staff, and equipment to operate a for-profit disinfecting business.

The indictment alleges that the pair established a company called Disinfect Pro Master that secured contracts with local businesses and a school district during the height of the pandemic. Despite collecting significant revenue—including half a million dollars from a school district contract—the business reportedly had no employees or supplies of its own. Instead, prosecutors claim Cuellar and Gutierrez completed the contracted work using county staff and resources.

“Over the course of my career—as a Texas State Trooper, a narcotics Sergeant investigator, Narcotics Lieutenant and now as your Sheriff—I have learned the difference between what is right and what is wrong, and I know what I did and did not do,” Sheriff Cuellar said in a statement following his court appearance. He vehemently defended himself, asking the public to “let the facts—not rumors, not speculation—guide their judgment.”

The sheriff serves Laredo, Texas, a border town within his brother’s congressional district. He now faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a potential $250,000 fine if convicted. Additional money laundering charges could add another maximum 10-year sentence and fines of up to $250,000 or twice the amount involved in the transactions.

This case marks the second time in less than a year that a member of the Cuellar family has faced federal charges. In February, President Trump pardoned Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife after they were indicted by the Biden administration’s Justice Department. The congressman had been accused of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan government-controlled oil and gas company and a Mexico City-headquartered bank.

Rep. Cuellar has expressed support for his brother, stating, “My brother Martin has served our community as a peace officer for more than forty years with integrity, professionalism, and a deep respect for the law. He is an honest man.” The congressman also noted the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

President Trump indicated he had pardoned the congressman because he believed the Biden Justice Department had been weaponized against him for speaking out against the administration’s border policies. Trump also mentioned being moved by a letter from the congressman’s daughter requesting clemency for her parents.

However, the relationship between Trump and Rep. Cuellar soured after the congressman decided to run for re-election as a Democrat. “Such a lack of LOYALTY,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform following Cuellar’s announcement.

Republican National Committee spokesperson Zachary Kraft seized on the new indictment, stating, “The Cuellar Crime Family will screw over small businesses and local schools if it means enriching themselves.” He added that “South Texans deserve leaders focused on serving taxpayers, not those focused on finding new ways to illegally funnel money into their own pockets.”

The Justice Department is handling the case, and Sheriff Cuellar has pledged to remain “fully engaged” in his duties while the legal process unfolds. “Public safety does not pause, and neither does my commitment to this office,” he said.