Progreso mayor resigns after drug trafficking arrest

PROGRESO, TEXAS (ValleyCentral) — Progreso Mayor Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis resigned Thursday, nearly three weeks after Homeland Security Investigations arrested him on drug trafficking charges.

The mayor’s wife sent an unsigned, undated resignation letter to City Manager Alfredo Espinosa at 4:50 p.m. Thursday, said City Attorney Javier Villalobos.

“Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation as Mayor for the City of Progreso. My resignation is effective immediately,” according to the letter, which is addressed to Espinosa. “I would like to thank you and the City of Progreso for the opportunity to have served in this position for the past 10 years.”

Gerardo "Jerry" Alanis. (CBS 4 News File Photo)

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, which is part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrested Alanis in March.

Informants told the government Alanis participated in a scheme to store and package drugs at Dorothy Thompson Middle School in Progreso, according to U.S. Border Patrol Agent Pablo Barrera, who testified during a hearing on March 21.

Prosecutors also brought charges against seven other people, including Jerry’s brother, Progreso school board Trustee Francisco “Frank” Alanis; and Joe Rosbel Salas Jr., a former bus driver for the Progreso Independent School District.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Betancourt ordered Jerry Alanis held without bond, concerned he was a “danger to the community.”

Jerry Alanis appealed the decision to U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr.

After reviewing the case, Rodriguez determined that Jerry Alanis could be released from jail if he posted a $100,000 bond — and resigned.

Jerry Alanis posted the bond and submitted his resignation letter Thursday.

While on pretrial release, Jerry Alanis must submit to electronic monitoring, avoid contact with all co-defendants and “refrain from any use of alcohol,” according to the judge’s order.

Jerry Alanis is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess more than 5 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute and two counts of possession of more than 5 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute.

If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in federal prison.