HOUSTON, Texas — Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr., 67, and his assistant chief Alejandro Gutierrez, 47, appeared in federal court Thursday on charges alleging they defrauded the sheriff’s office during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment on November 19, 2025, accusing Cuellar and Gutierrez of conspiring with others to misappropriate county funds between 2020 and 2022. Former assistant chief Ricardo Rodriguez, 65, previously pleaded guilty.
Prosecutors allege the trio used sheriff’s office staff and resources to operate a for-profit disinfecting business, Disinfect Pro Master, without owning employees or supplies. County staff performed the work on and off the clock, and the company secured a $500,000 contract to clean United ISD schools in Laredo. Each conspirator allegedly received roughly $175,000 in profits, and Cuellar reportedly used some of the proceeds to buy property in Laredo.
Cuellar and Gutierrez face up to 10 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000. Cuellar is also charged with money laundering, carrying an additional 10 years and potential fines up to twice the property involved.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI San Antonio and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General as part of the Laredo Border Corruption Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Robert Johnson are prosecuting the case.
Cuellar has publicly denied wrongdoing and stated he will contest the charges in court. Rodriguez is scheduled for sentencing on March 16.
