Officials Caught in Explosive Scandal – Corruption Runs Deep

Person in handcuffs

Progreso, Texas officials entangled in a shocking drug trafficking scandal, unveiling deep-rooted corruption within the city’s leadership.

At a Glance

  • Francisco “Frank” Alaniz, former Progreso ISD leader, pleads guilty to drug trafficking charges
  • Current mayor Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis implicated in cocaine trafficking operation
  • School facilities allegedly used for drug storage and distribution
  • Multiple city officials and candidates facing federal charges
  • Investigation sparked by arrest of school bus driver with 30 pounds of cocaine in 2020

Corruption Exposed in Progreso’s Leadership

The small border town of Progreso, Texas, finds itself at the center of a massive drug trafficking scandal that has rocked its political establishment. Francisco “Frank” Javier Alanis, the 40-year-old assistant city manager and school board president, was arrested on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in July. This arrest is just the tip of the iceberg in a widening investigation that has implicated multiple city officials and candidates in a cocaine trafficking operation.

The scandal first came to light in 2020 when a Progreso ISD bus driver was caught with 30 pounds of cocaine, revealing systemic corruption within the city’s institutions. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the rot extended to the highest levels of local government, including the current mayor, Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis.

School Facilities Implicated in Drug Distribution

Perhaps most disturbing is the allegation that drugs were stored and possibly distributed from school facilities, including the IT room at Dorothy Thompson Middle School. This blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of Progreso’s children highlights the depth of corruption within the city’s leadership.

“Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis, the Mayor of Progreso, Texas, has recently been at the center of a significant controversy following his involvement in a scheme related to drug storage on school premises.”

The extent of the corruption became even clearer when federal agents found over $722,000 in cash at Mayor Alanis’s mother’s residence. This discovery led to a judge denying Alanis bond, citing him as a significant community risk.

Federal Investigation Uncovers Widespread Corruption

The federal investigation, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from several agencies including the DEA and Texas law enforcement, has revealed a complex network of corruption. The case is part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, which targets high-level criminal organizations.

“The magistrate Judge Karen Betancourt deemed Progreso Mayor Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis a significant risk to the community, leading her to decide that he should not be granted bond and must remain in custody pending the resolution of his drug charges.”

Multiple individuals have been charged in connection with the drug trafficking operation, including David Gomez Ramos, Gregorio Salinas, and Juan Pablo Serrata. Additionally, former Progreso City Council candidate Dagoberto “Dago” Treviño has been indicted on charges related to a conspiracy involving approximately 194 pounds of cocaine.

Consequences and Community Impact

The consequences for those involved in this scandal are severe. If convicted, Francisco Alanis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine. Mayor Gerardo Alanis faces charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine.

This scandal has shaken the community of Progreso to its core, eroding trust in local government and raising serious questions about the integrity of public institutions. The use of school facilities for drug-related activities is particularly alarming, potentially putting students at risk and undermining the educational mission of the district.

As the investigation continues and more details come to light, the citizens of Progreso are left to grapple with the fallout of this massive breach of public trust. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in local government, particularly in border communities vulnerable to the influence of drug cartels and organized crime.