Texas Mayor Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking Scheme

Gerardo Jerry Alanis served as mayor of Progreso in South Texas. He has now been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison. The court handed down the sentence on July 24 in Brownsville.

The former mayor was involved in a drug trafficking operation. He admitted to financing shipments of cocaine. The cocaine was packaged inside a locked room at the local middle school where he worked.

The court also ordered Alanis to pay a $15,000 fine. After serving his prison term, he will remain under supervision for three years.

Drug Scheme Reached Across State Lines

Federal authorities said the drug operation moved cocaine from the Rio Grande Valley to other states. The shipments reached Illinois, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

The Justice Department said the scheme lasted from 2020 through 2022. Alanis played a financial role in the operation. He also used his access to school property to help package the drugs.

Federal prosecutors said his actions showed abuse of power. U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei said a school should never be used to store cocaine. He said the case shows how drug activity affects all parts of a community.

Brother of Mayor Also Sentenced

Francisco Frank Alanis was the brother of Jerry Alanis. He served as the school board president for Progreso Independent School District.

He was charged before his brother. He pleaded guilty in October. On July 8, he received a sentence of twelve and a half years in prison.

He is now appealing his sentence.

Prosecutors said both brothers used their official positions to protect and support the drug operation. They had access to school and city resources. They used that access to move drugs and collect money.

Other Officials Took Part in Scheme

Arturo Aleman also admitted to helping the group. He once served as mayor of Progreso. He also worked for the school district.

He helped buy tractor trailers used to transport cocaine. A judge sentenced him to 33 months in prison.

Eulalio Sierra was a truck driver. He received a sentence of ten years. He left behind a 22 kilogram load of cocaine after seeing law enforcement in April 2021.

David Gomez Ramos helped the group obtain permits and fake paperwork for the trucks. He was sentenced to over eleven years.

In total, nine people were charged in the case. All nine pleaded guilty and received prison sentences.

Residents Call for Change

Progreso is a small town with about five thousand residents. It sits near the Texas border. Many people pass through it to reach Mexico.

The case has left the town shaken. Residents said the use of a school in the drug operation was a betrayal.

Community leaders are asking for audits and more oversight of local officials. Many believe this case shows a need for new leadership and better safeguards.

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