State lawmaker acquired ranch from drug dealers


Associated Press - December 5, 2008 7:05 PM ET

AUSTIN (AP) - Prosecutors are investigating the growing real estate portfolio of a South Texas lawmaker who acquired valuable land from convicted drug dealers.

The Associated Press reports the Travis County investigation of state Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores of Palmview began over questions about discounted air travel.

Flores attorney Roy Minton today confirmed the probe has widened to include the legislator's land holdings.

One is a South Texas ranch where an illegal immigrant was allegedly beaten to death by 1 of the legislator's ranch hands -- another illegal immigrant -- who then fled to Mexico.

Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino says prosecutors have asked for his agency's report and affidavits on that case.

Flores was never suspected of involvement in the crime. Minton says he's "dead certain" the public corruption probe in Austin has nothing to do with the unsolved killing.

Assistant District Attorney Gregg Cox did not immediately return a call to AP.

Records show Flores in 2005 gained control of a six-acre tract from convicted drug dealers in Hidalgo County.

Minton says there's nothing illegal about buying property from ex-convicts.

AP reports records show the land was previously co-owned by Roel and Joel Benavides, brothers who both served time in federal prison for drug-related crimes.

Joel Benavides didn't immediately return a call for comment. Roel Benavides couldn't be reached.

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