Politician who smuggled cocaine through Progreso sentenced to 2 years in prison

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A politician who smuggled cocaine through Progreso is headed to federal prison.

During a hearing on Thursday afternoon, Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Dagoberto “Dago” Treviño, 45, of Progreso — who ran for City Council in June 2024 — to two years in prison.

“I take full responsibility for what I did. For my actions,” Treviño said. “And I know there’s consequences.”

Treviño worked for Pedro Luis Lopez, a local businessman.

Lopez is well known in Progreso, where his family owns the 1015 Grocery Store and the El Dorado Event Center. Treviño worked for Lopez’s trucking company, PLL Logistics.

At the time, members of the Alanis family dominated local politics.

Francisco “Frank” Alanis worked for the city of Progreso and served on the school board. His brother, Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis, worked for the school district and served as the mayor.

The brothers also smuggled cocaine.

Homeland Security Investigations, which is part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrested Frank Alanis in 2023.

During the investigation, agents discovered more than $720,000 in cash hidden at his mother’s house.

Homeland Security Investigations returned to Progreso in 2024, when they arrested Jerry Alanis.

After his arrest, Jerry Alanis resigned.

Progreso held a special election — and Treviño entered the race for City Council. Lopez supported Treviño’s campaign.

Treviño and Lopez, though, had a secret: Just like the Alanis brothers, they smuggled drugs.

Voters headed to the polls in June 2024.

On June 13, just two days before election day, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Lopez. Treviño lost by less than 100 votes.

The Drug Enforcement Administration picked up Treviño in July.

Faced with lengthy prison sentences, Lopez and Treviño pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge.

Treviño returned to court Thursday wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans.

“I know I did wrong,” Treviño said.

Lopez coordinated the drug shipments, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarina S. DiPiazza, the federal prosecutor. Treviño assisted him by loading and unloading the cocaine.

Attorney Daniel J. Garcia of Rio Grande City, who represented Treviño, said his client played a minor role in the conspiracy.

Crane, the federal judge, agreed with that assessment.

Guidelines published by the U.S. Sentencing Commission suggested a sentence of 37 to 46 months in prison, Crane said.

Treviño, however, had cooperated with the government after his arrest.

Crane granted a sealed motion filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and sentenced Treviño to 24 months. If he successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program, Treviño could be released early.

“You got a pretty good deal here today,” Crane said.

Lopez is scheduled for sentencing on May 20.