Eagle Pass Businessman Pleads Guilty In Connection With Maverick County Bribery, Kickback And Bid-Rigging Scheme

In Del Rio, Hipolito Amaya, 35-year-old owner of AM-ROD Construction based in Eagle Pass, faces up to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a bribery charge in connection with an alleged bribery, kickback and bid-rigging scheme in Maverick County announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez.

Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Collis White this afternoon, Amaya admitted that in May 2011, he submitted a $35,800 bid to Maverick County to construct a concrete sidewalk on Lago Vista in Precinct 4 of Maverick County.  Maverick County issued him a $17,900 check to commence work and then a $17,900 check for the completion of the sidewalk.  Amaya further admitted that he made cash payments to two Maverick County employees so that he could be paid in full for work he never performed. 

Amaya remains on bond pending sentencing scheduled for March 2014.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety.  Individuals who have first-hand information about corruption, fraud, or bribery related to Maverick County are urged to contact the FBI at (210) 225-6741.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael Galdo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.