Monday, November 23, 2009 at 4:53 p.m.
Read more: Local, Crime, Politics, Sylvia Handy, Juan Gabriel Espocenda, Phantom Employee, Indictment, Illegal Immigration, Corruption, Judge Dorina Ramos, Hidalgo County, Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Hidalgo County Commissioner Sylvia Handy is under a temporary house arrest making an appearance in federal court on Monday.
Handy appeared before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Dorina Ramon in McAllen to answer a new indictment against her and her husband Juan Gabriel Esprocenda.
The Hidalgo County commissioner is accused of using "phantom employees" to hire illegal immigrants to work in her home.
Federal prosecutors said Handy was ordered to home lockdown.
Handy's trial was postponed until January but prosecutors said her husband's case could go to trial in December.
The Hidalgo County Commissioner's Court is expected to meet on Tuesday afternoon.
It's not clear if Handy will be able to attend the meeting.
