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PSJA bribery scandal sentencing postponed until January
Posted: 11.29.2010 at 1:16 PM
Updated: 11.29.2010 at 7:25 PM
Sergio Chapa

Sergio is KGBT's Interactive Manager and a reporter for VALLEYCENTRAL.COM.

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Arturo Guajardo (center)
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It's been more than three years since all six defendants in the PSJA bribery scandal have all been in the same room with each other.

After a federal court hearing on Monday afternoon, it looks like it may be another two months before they all see each other again.

A new series of legal issues has postponed the sentencing in the case until after the New Year.

The six defendants in the case appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Ricardo Hinojosa in McAllen on Monday afternoon.

Judge Hinojosa outlined a number of legal concerns that had both prosecutors and defense attorneys asking for more time.

The judge said in open court that he wanted a presentencing report to include how much money contractors made off the deal in profits.

He also wanted to know why there was no request for restitution and how much the contracts awarded to the higher bidder cost taxpayers.

The six are accused of taking of bribery as well as accepting a Las Vegas vacation and tickets to entertainment and sports events for contracts.

"None of this paints a pretty picture to how the school district was being run with regards to contracts," Judge Hinojosa said in court.

The sentencing date for the case was moved to January 24th, 2011 giving both sides time to prepare.

Action 4 News reviewed court records and learned that sentencing for the case has been postponed at least six times prior to Monday.

The six named in the PSJA bribery case could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Former Superintendent Arturo Guajardo recently filed a request asking Judge Hinojosa to give him probation for his role in the case.

Guajardo's request was accompanied by a resume, newspaper clips and 12 letters of support, including some from several public officials from across the Rio Grande Valley.

Important Dates in the PSJA Bribery Scandal:

January 2005      FBI raids PSJA ISD Office
May 22, 2007      Federal Indictment Filed

May 31, 2007      Rogelio Roy Rodriguez Arrested
June 5, 2007       Arturo Guajardo & Five Others Arrested
June 6, 2007       Arnulfo Cuahtemoc Olivarez Arrested


Dec 7, 2007         Arturo Guajardo Pleads Guilty
Dec 12, 2007       Rogelio Roy Rodriguez Pleads Guilty

Jan 22, 2008        Vangie De Leon Pleads Guilty
Jan 22, 2008        Charges Dismissed against Husband Ricardo De Leon

Feb 28, 2008       Superseding Indictment Filed

Aug 26, 2008       Second Superseding Indictment Filed
Aug 28, 2008       Arnulfo Cuahtemoc Olivarez Pleads Guilty

Nov 3, 2008         Raul Roy Navarro Pleads Guilty

Dec 4, 2009         Geroge Alonzo Hernandez Pleads Guilty

Nov 29, 2010      Sentencing postponed until January 24th

 

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