Former El Paso Businessman and City Representative Sentenced in El Paso Corruption Case

In El Paso this morning, Roberto “Bobby” Ruiz, a former representative for New York–based financial services firm Bear Stearns, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a “pay- to-play” scheme uncovered during the ongoing public corruption investigation in El Paso, announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist, El Paso Division.

United States District Judge Frank Montalvo also ordered that Ruiz pay a $175,000 fine and to self-surrender to the Dallas Office of the U.S. Marshals Service on January 7, 2014, to begin serving his prison term.

In sentencing Ruiz below the applicable advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Judge Montalvo took into consideration the government’s request to the court to acknowledge Ruiz’ lengthy, extensive, and beneficial assistance to the government in the El Paso public corruption investigation, as well as his assistance to other state and federal initiatives in other jurisdictions.

Judge Montalvo also sentenced former El Paso city representative and attorney Raymond Telles this morning to five years of probation and ordered Telles to pay a $4,000 fine for his role in the conspiracy.

In sentencing Telles to a term of probation, Judge Montalvo took into consideration the government’s recommendation regarding Telles’ sentencing based on Telles’ expeditious cooperation with the government, within one month of learning he was under investigation, and Telles’ truthful and complete cooperation. In addition, the judge recognized Telles’ minimal benefit as a result of corrupt conduct. According to counsel for Telles, the defendant voluntarily surrendered his Texas law license in 2009 and has no intent to practice law in the future.

Previously, Telles and Ruiz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and deprivation of honest services. By pleading guilty, both admitted to conspiring to participate in a bribery scheme in an effort to secure a $40 million El Paso County debt refinancing contract.

“The sentencing of Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Telles are a reminder that those who illegally conspire to profit from taxpayer dollars will have to answer to the people of El Paso,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist.

This FBI investigation has resulted in 39 federal convictions—36 individuals who entered guilty pleas and three individuals who were convicted by juries.

Assistant United States Attorneys Debra Kanof and Jose Luis Gonzalez prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.