Edinburg man charged in veteran assistance, heavy machinery schemes

Federal authorities arrested an Edinburg man last Friday on accusations he stole more than $600,000 in schemes involving heavy machinery and assistance for veterans.

Cesar Saenz was indicted on five counts of wire fraud on May 13 and was arrested on Friday over the allegations, court records show.

The indictment alleges that the scheme began in 2021.

Saenz, who owns the Edinburg business H&C Capital, claimed to have opportunities for investors in a real estate project.

“Cesar Saenz claimed that he was contracted through the United States Veteran’s Affairs Department to build luxury townhomes,” the indictment stated.

In October 2022, Saenz spoke on the phone with an Illinois resident identified as “D.P.” in the indictment where he detailed the project.

“Within the presentation, Cesar Saenz explained that the project was part of a ‘Heroes Program,’ which was intended to construct at least 75 townhouse units in Pharr, Texas,” the indictment stated. “D.P. was under the impression that investment in the project would assist veterans with the timely construction of the townhomes and would result in monthly interest payments.”

In December of 2022, “D.P.” agreed to invest and sent Saenz $100,000. After the investment, Saenz had sparse communication with “D.P.”

“In January of 2023, when D.P. requested a status on the interest payments, Cesar Saenz provided a fabricated explanation,” the indictment stated.

“D.P.” has yet to receive payment from Saenz.

“Cesar Saenz was not contracted by the United States Veteran’s Affairs Department nor any other veteran advocacy group to facilitate the building of any luxury townhomes,” the indictment stated.

As for the heavy machinery scheme, the indictment alleges that Saenz convinced three people identified as “J.N.,” “M.O.” and “J.R.” to invest large sums into heavy machinery that Saenz would acquire at auction, refurbish and then sell for a profit in Mexico.

“J.N.” invested $350,000 while “M.O.” invested $100,000 and “J.R.” invested $60,000, according to the indictment.

Federal authorities allege all of that money was misappropriated.

“As of the date of this indictment, neither Cesar Saenz nor H&C Capital have purchased heavy machinery or invested J.N.’s, M.O’s, or J.R.’s monies to purchase any heavy machinery,” the indictment stated.

Federal court records indicate this case is related to that of Jose Angel Guerra III’s wire fraud case.

He was arrested in August 2024 on accusations he bilked a North Carolina business that sold handmade knives out of $300,000 in a scheme to sell shipping containers in Mexico.

Guerra has pleaded not guilty.

Saenz made a first appearance in McAllen federal court on Monday and is temporarily being held without bond pending a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday, court records show.

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