Laredo, Texas, January 23, 2026
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr. and Assistant Chief Alejandro Gutierrez face federal charges for allegedly misusing public resources to run a private disinfecting business during the COVID-19 pandemic. An indictment claims they conspired to operate Disinfect Pro Master, profiting significantly from a $500,000 contract with the United Independent School District. Both have pleaded not guilty and could face significant prison time if convicted.
Federal Charges Filed Against Webb County Sheriff and Assistant Chief in Alleged Fraud Scheme
Laredo, Texas – Federal charges have been filed against Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr. and Assistant Chief Alejandro Gutierrez for allegedly misusing public resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to operate a private disinfecting business, Disinfect Pro Master. The indictment, unsealed on January 22, 2026, includes allegations of conspiracy, fraud involving federal funds, and money laundering. Both individuals have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
The charges indicate that between 2020 and 2022, Cuellar and Gutierrez, alongside former Assistant Chief Ricardo Rodriguez, utilized sheriff’s office staff and resources to operate Disinfect Pro Master. The business, established in April 2020, secured a $500,000 contract to disinfect schools in the United Independent School District (UISD) in Laredo. The indictment asserts that the project was executed largely using county employees and equipment, resulting in minimal overhead costs. As a result, Cuellar, Gutierrez, and Rodriguez each reportedly generated profits of approximately $175,000. Cuellar faces an additional money laundering charge for allegedly using part of his profits to purchase property in Laredo. If convicted, both he and Gutierrez could face up to 10 years in federal prison, along with fines that could reach up to $250,000. Cuellar’s money laundering charge carries a potential additional sentence of another 10 years. Rodriguez has already pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing on March 16, 2026. The investigation was conducted by the FBI San Antonio and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General as part of the Laredo Border Corruption Task Force.
Background on the Individuals Involved
Martin Cuellar has held the position of Webb County Sheriff since 2009 and is the brother of U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, who was pardoned on federal corruption charges by former President Donald Trump. Henry Cuellar was indicted in May 2024 on multiple counts related to bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy. Both Martin and Henry Cuellar have maintained their innocence in their respective legal challenges. Alejandro Gutierrez, who is 47 years old, has served as Assistant Chief under Cuellar. Ricardo Rodriguez, aged 65, previously occupied the role of Assistant Chief before leaving the sheriff’s office. The charges brought against Cuellar and Gutierrez have sparked serious discussions regarding the integrity and accountability of law enforcement leadership in Webb County.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the federal charges against Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar and Assistant Chief Alejandro Gutierrez?
Sheriff Martin Cuellar and Assistant Chief Alejandro Gutierrez have been indicted on federal charges of conspiracy, fraud involving federal funds, and money laundering. They are accused of misusing public resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to operate a private disinfecting business, Disinfect Pro Master.
What is the alleged scheme involving Disinfect Pro Master?
The indictment alleges that between 2020 and 2022, Cuellar, Gutierrez, and former Assistant Chief Ricardo Rodriguez used the sheriff’s office staff and resources to run Disinfect Pro Master. The business secured a $500,000 contract to disinfect schools in the United Independent School District in Laredo, completing the work using county employees and equipment, with minimal overhead costs.
What are the potential penalties if convicted?
If convicted, Cuellar and Gutierrez each face up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. Cuellar is also charged with money laundering, which carries an additional 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of property involved in the real estate transaction. Rodriguez has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on March 16, 2026.
Who conducted the investigation into this case?
The investigation was conducted by the FBI San Antonio and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General as part of the Laredo Border Corruption Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Robert Johnson are prosecuting the case.
What is the background of the individuals involved?
Martin Cuellar has served as Webb County Sheriff since 2009 and is the brother of U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, who was recently pardoned on federal corruption charges. Alejandro Gutierrez, 47, has been serving as Assistant Chief under Cuellar. Ricardo Rodriguez, 65, previously held the position of Assistant Chief before his departure from the sheriff’s office. All individuals involved have maintained their innocence in their respective cases.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individuals Charged | Martin Cuellar Jr. (Sheriff), Alejandro Gutierrez (Assistant Chief), Ricardo Rodriguez (Former Assistant Chief) |
| Alleged Scheme | Misuse of public resources to operate Disinfect Pro Master during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Contract Secured | $500,000 contract to disinfect schools in the United Independent School District in Laredo |
| Profits Generated | Approximately $175,000 each for Cuellar, Gutierrez, and Rodriguez |
| Potential Penalties | Up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 for Cuellar and Gutierrez; additional 10 years for money laundering charge against Cuellar |
| Investigation Conducted By | FBI San Antonio and Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General as part of the Laredo Border Corruption Task Force |
| Prosecution | Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Robert Johnson |
| Background of Individuals | Martin Cuellar has served as Webb County Sheriff since 2009; Alejandro Gutierrez, 47, has been serving as Assistant Chief; Ricardo Rodriguez, 65, previously held the position of Assistant Chief before his departure from the sheriff’s office |
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