Ruben Silva was fired from his job as a deputy after his arrest on federal drug charges. The 35-year-old was arrested by the DEA and Texas Rangers while he was at work. Silva is a democratic party candidate for Duval County Constable Precinct 4. He was employed by the Duval County Sheriff's Department for seven years, with more than three years experience working with a K-9 unit.
Duval County Sheriff Romeo Ramirez says Ruben Silva was fired from his job as a deputy after his arrest on federal drug charges. The 35-year-old was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Texas Rangers while he was at work yesterday.
Duval County Deputy Arrested on Federal Drug Charges
CORPUS CHRISTI -
05/25/2012
by Andy Liscano
"They brought him into my office. I advised Mr. Silva of my disappointment regarding this whole ordeal and informed him that he was terminated immediately," Sheriff Romeo Ramirez.
Silva is accused of taking part in a conspiracy to move several kilos of cocaine through checkpoints with his police cruiser. He made his first appearance in court at the federal courthouse in McAllen.
Silva is a democratic party candidate for Duval County Constable Precinct 4. He was employed by the Duval County Sheriff's Department for seven years, with more than three years experience working with a K-9 unit.
Prosecutors say along with Silva, two men from Mission, Texas are charged in the conspiracy. 39-year-old Jerry Tovar and 47-year-old Jose Luis Tovar allegedly paid Silva $5,000 to move the drugs.
The Tovars are also accused of selling six firearms to an undercover federal agent. Two of those weapons are said to be similar to an Uzi type. Both men also made their first appearance in court today.
Silva faces from 10 years to life in prison if convicted, plus a fine up to $20 million. The Tovars face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Duval County Deputy Accused in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy
05/25/2012
11:20 AM
by Ben Lloyd
CORPUS CHRISTI - Duval County Sheriff's deputy Ruben Silva, 35, was arrested yesterday on charges of conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilos of cocaine. Silva made his first appearance in federal court this morning.
Silva is a candidate for Duval County Constable Precinct 4.
Two men from Mission, Texas, 39-year-old Jerry Tovar and 47-year-old Jose Luis Tovar, allegedly conspired with Silva to transport 10 kilos of cocaine past a checkpoint by using his patrol car.
Prosecutors say Silva was paid $5,000 for his cooperation.
The Tovars were also arrested for allegedly selling six firearms to an undercover federal agent. Prosecutors say the convicted felons sold two "Uzi type" weapons to the agent. Both men also made their first appearance in court today.
Silva faces from 10 years to life in prison if convicted, plus a fine up to $20 million. The Tovars face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
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