FBI arrests Edcouch city manager and city councilman

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The FBI arrested Edcouch City Manager Victor Hugo De La Cruz and Edcouch City Councilman Rene Flores on Thursday morning.

According to the indictment, they "solicited bribe payments from the owner of a Brownsville business that provides marketing services throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The business owner allegedly received two separate $3000 payments for marketing work he was allegedly performing for the city of Edcouch. In return, he made two $1000 kickback payments to Flores, according to the charges," according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas.

De la Cruz and Flores are charged with conspiracy, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and use of a facility in interstate commerce in furtherance of bribery.

"As Mayor of Edcouch, I am aware of the recent arrests involving our City Manager and Mayor Pro Tem. We are closely monitoring the situation and fully cooperating with the authorities," Edcouch mayor Virginio "Virgil" Gonzalez Jr. told ValleyCentral. "Our focus remains on maintaining transparency and serving the residents of Edcouch with integrity. We will continue to act in the best interests of our community as more information becomes available. Thank you."

The FBI raided Edcouch City Hall and Elsa City Hall in 2023 as part of investigations that involved allegations of racketeering, bribery and illegal gambling.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.