Prosecutors may drop money laundering charges against former Rio Grande City secretary

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Prosecutors may drop the case against former Rio Grande City Secretary Melissa Garza, who is accused of laundering drug money for her husband.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Melissa Anne Garza, 55, of Rio Grande City and her husband, Ignacio “Nacho” Garza, during Operation Ice River, which targeted drug smugglers in Starr County.

Nacho and more than 20 other people pleaded guilty. Melissa didn’t — and the case against her was delayed for more than two years.

“Everybody’s pled out in that case,” Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane said during a hearing on Thursday morning. “Why has she not pled?”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Cook Profit said the case against Melissa is “wrapped up” with the case against her husband.

The DEA arrested Nacho in September 2021.

“During his post-arrest interview, he admitted dealing with a known, high-ranking member of the cartel in Mexico, which is the plaza boss of Camargo,” Profit said on Sept. 20, 2021, when Nacho appeared in court.

Prosecutors also suspect that Nacho paid for Justice of the Peace Roel “Role” Valadez Jr.’s political campaign in 2018.

“Which the government believes was for purposes of having influence within the Rio Grande-Starr County area,” Profit said. “Influence in terms of the judicial system.”

Nacho pleaded guilty in March 2024. More than 16 months later, he still hasn’t been sentenced.

What caused the delay remains unclear. Many documents filed in the case, including Nacho’s plea agreement, remain sealed.

Profit and Carlos A. Garcia of Mission, the attorney who represents Nacho, met privately with Crane before a hearing in mid-July.

After the meeting, Crane announced that Nacho’s sentencing would be rescheduled for November so they could “wrap up some loose ends.”

The case against Melissa, meanwhile, remained scheduled for trial in August.

She appeared in court via Zoom on Thursday morning for a final pretrial hearing.

Profit said the government is working on “some additional things” that will “affect the outcome of her case.”

“So do we think this is going to potentially be a dismissal?” Crane asked.

“That’s what we’re working towards,” Profit said.

Profit asked Crane to move the case against Melissa to November, when her husband is scheduled for sentencing.

“He probably won’t be ready to go,” Profit said. “But we’ll be ready to go on this.”

Attorney Michael C. Gross of San Antonio, who represents Melissa, declined to comment.