Ex-sheriff's employee allegedly mimics deputy, defrauds family seeking visas


McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — A former Webb County Sheriff’s Office civilian employee is out on bond after being arrested on charges of impersonating a public servant and theft in connection with what authorities say was a scheme to take money from a family trying to secure U.S. visas for relatives.

Lorenzo Reyna Jr., 72, has been released from the Webb County Jail after posting $15,000 in bond. He was arrested Aug. 12 on charges of impersonating a public servant and theft greater than $2,500 and less than $30,000, jail records show.

Reyna reportedly put on a Webb County Sheriff’s Office uniform as part of an elaborate plan to defraud a family out of over $23,000, the Laredo Morning Times reports Monday.

According to court documents, two U.S. citizens on Aug. 9 reported to officials that since October, they had been paying Reyna cash because he said he could secure legal visas for two family members who are in the United States illegally.

He reportedly told the family it would cost $5,000 for him to get work visas for the pair. And then reportedly insisted on $3,000 more because one of the person’s has a criminal record, the newspaper reports.

Reyna reportedly confessed to the charges and told authorities he did it to pay outstanding bills, the newspaper reports.

You May Also Like

Central Florida Heat Advisory: Strong Storm Threat Continues Across the Region

Central Florida is bracing for another day of dangerous heat and stormy…

Judge rejects Biden effort to stop release of special counsel inquiry transcripts

A federal judge on Friday denied former President Joe Biden’s effort to…

Black Bank Card Program Aims Cash Payments at Single Mothers in Government Housing

One of the nation’s few Black-owned banks is rolling out a new…

James Burrows Dies at 85: Legendary Director Behind *Cheers*, *Friends* and TV’s Greatest Sitcoms

LOS ANGELES — James Burrows, the legendary television director whose work shaped…

AP-NORC Poll: Trump’s Handling of Iran Draws Low Marks as Tentative Deal to End Fighting Emerges

WASHINGTON – A new AP-NORC poll shows that most Americans still disapprove…

Walmart Cashier Accused of Concealing DeLand Man’s Winning Lottery Receipt

DELAND, Fla. – A DeLand Walmart convenience store cashier has been arrested…

Trump-Republican Tensions Rise as Key Midterm Elections Near

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s relationship with Senate Republicans moved closer to…

Florida Vacation Tragedy Sparks Growing Push for Drowning Prevention After Twin Girls Die

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The drowning deaths of two young sisters in…

Cuba Advances Sweeping Free-Market Reforms in Its Biggest Economic Overhaul Since the Revolution

HAVANA — Analysts on Friday described Cuba’s newly approved free-market reforms as…

Anne Hathaway Expecting Baby No. 3: Everything We Know About Her Third Pregnancy

Anne Hathaway attends the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2027 Collection fashion show at…

Florida Teacher Faces Backlash Over Alleged Threatening Remark About Trump

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida teacher is under disciplinary review after…