From The El Paso Times: Dressed in a county-issued jumpsuit and shackles, indicted EPISD superintendent Lorenzo Garcia made his first federal court appearance today on fraud and embezzlement charges.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Mesa set Garcia's bond at $50,000. He allowed Garcia's attorney, Ray Velarde, to post 10 percent of that amount to allow for Garcia's release from jail.
As part of the conditions of Garcia's bond, Mesa ordered Garcia to turn over his passport, remain in El Paso County and not have any weapons.
Garcia must also be supervised by an officer with U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services.
Velarde said after the court appearance that Garcia may be released from jail as early as this evening.
During the hearing, Garcia entered Mesa's courtroom wearing an El Paso County Detention Facility dark blue jail jumpsuit, bright orange slip-on shoes, shackles around his ankles and a chain around his waist connecting to a pair of cuffs around his hands.
As he walked in, he paused to look at the dozens of people who sat in the court audience. He then sat down briefly with Velarde at a table before being called to the podium.
Mesa then entered the courtroom and began reading and explaining the charges against Garcia, who answered either "Yes" or "Yes, sir," indicating he understood the four charges against him.
Garcia is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of mail fraud and one count of aiding and abetting theft from programs receiving federal funds. http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_18600176
Sadly, these stories are the norm but should not be the norm. In large school districts, things like these contracts go unnoticed and the Superintendents are able to pass money to their friends. It has happened everywhere, including in Las Vegas politics.
This guy was stupid enough to get caught.
War and Illness
7 hours ago
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