Multiple Arrests at Starr Co. Tax Assessor Office

Office raided twice before


Dec 09, 2015 S
how Transcript



RIO GRANDE CITY -Several people were arrested from the Starr County Tax Assessor Collectors Office. One of those is the tax assessor collector herself.
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In total, 15 people are facing charges. Most of them are from the tax assessor office, including Carmen Pena, the tax assessor collector. Two men also arrested are brothers of Pena.

The Starr County DA said everyone at the office was arrested.

They are facing theft of money, bribery and charges for phony vehicle registration. The DA’s Border Prosecution Unit launched the investigation.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported in 2012 that more than $700,000 was confirmed missing when the auditor's office found discrepancies. At the time, the Starr County District Attorney's office said an employee was questioned by authorities and the thefts stopped.

In 2013, the DA's office launched an investigation. Then in 2014, the office was raided but no arrests were made.

When the office was raided, the DA was looking into fake vehicle registrations linked to narcotics trafficking.

Even though all the employees at the office were arrested, an employee said the office will still be open to public.
Suspects arrested during the investigation:

Maria Del Carmen Pena - Starr County Tax Assessor

Maria Crisanta Gonzalez - Deputy Director Starr County Tax Office

Griselda Quezada - Deputy Clerk Starr County Tax Office

Mary Ann Lopez - Deputy Clerk Starr County Tax Office

Cynthia Rivas - Deputy Clerk Starr County Tax Office

Norma Leticia Quezada -Deputy Clerk Starr County Vehicle Registration Office

Mayra A. Garza - Deputy Clerk Starr County Vehicle Registration Office

Jose Antonio Alvarez - Brother to Maria Del Carmen Pena

Fernando Alvarez - Brother to Maria Del Carmen Pena

Delicia Canales - Wife of Fernando Alvarez

Oscar Garcia

Jose "Tambo" Cruz

Juan Roberto Garcia

Oroldo Vasquez

Arturo Lopez

http://www.krgv.com/news/local-news/...ffice/36878864