Peñitas (Texas) City Manager Omar Romero pleaded guilty to bribery and bankruptcy fraud, KRGV reported. He faces up to five years in federal prison on each count of conviction. Romero admitted that in 2018, he used a cellphone to communicate with other public officials regarding a scheme to sell a water tank to Agua Special Utility District (SUD). Compensation would be paid in consideration for board votes, according to a release. Romero also admitted that he received an unauthorized payment of at least $50,000 during a bankruptcy proceeding. He was appointed as the chief restructuring officer of Hidalgo County Emergency Services Foundation at the time. In a statement, the city of Peñitas announced that Romero has been "demoted" as city manager, with the city council appointing Humberto Garza serving as the new city manager. Sentencing is set for Jan. 20, 2022. Romero remains free on bond until then.
