Henry Cuellar Arrested in Corruption Probe

henry cuellar

Federal authorities took Representative Henry Cuellar into custody on Wednesday as part of a sweeping corruption investigation. The long-serving Texas Democrat, who represents a district stretching from San Antonio to the Rio Grande, was apprehended at his home in Laredo. The probe, which has been underway for months, reportedly centers on allegations of bribery and misconduct related to foreign entities. Court documents unsealed after the arrest suggest Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, are accused of accepting payments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars from an Azerbaijani energy company. The couple is also facing charges for attempting to conceal the transactions through shell companies and real estate deals.

The FBI and Department of Justice confirmed the arrest but provided limited additional details, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Cuellar, a moderate Democrat known for his bipartisan work on border security and energy policy, has maintained his innocence through his attorney. If convicted, he could face significant prison time, potentially forcing him to resign from Congress. His office released a brief statement acknowledging the legal challenges but emphasized his commitment to due process.

The development marks a dramatic fall for Cuellar, who has served in the House since 2005. His arrest adds to a growing list of lawmakers facing federal scrutiny in recent years. Colleagues from both parties expressed surprise, noting Cuellar’s previously unblemished reputation. The House Ethics Committee has already initiated its own review, which could lead to expulsion if wrongdoing is confirmed. As the investigation unfolds, attention is turning to the potential political fallout in a closely watched district and the broader implications for congressional ethics.

Henry Cuellar Arrested in Corruption Probe

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