Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Jr., 67, and Assistant Chief Alejandro Gutierrez, 47, have been charged with a scheme to funnel funds from the sheriff's office for personal gain. A federal indictment states they, along with former Assistant Chief Ricardo Rodriguez, used county employees and resources to run a for-profit disinfecting business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As reported by The Department of Justice, the indictment, unsealed on November 19, 2025, alleges that the business, Disinfect Pro Master, was set up in April 2020 under the facade of being a legitimate enterprise. It went on to secure lucrative contracts, including a $500,000 deal to disinfect schools in United Independent School District, while actually operating with the workforce and provisions of the Webb County Sheriff's Office (WCSO).
Cuellar and Gutierrez made their initial appearances in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan in Houston. The indictment states they and Rodriguez split approximately $175,000 each in profits. Cuellar is also accused of using some of the proceeds to buy property in Laredo.
If convicted, Cuellar and Gutierrez face up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. Cuellar could face longer terms and higher fines due to additional money laundering charges. Rodriguez, who has already pleaded guilty, is awaiting sentencing on March 16 and is currently released on bond.
The investigation, conducted by the FBI's San Antonio division and the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, was part of the Laredo Border Corruption Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Robert Johnson are prosecuting the case.
