Progreso, Texas is reeling from a drug trafficking scandal that has ensnared multiple public officials, including the city’s mayor and a school board president, eroding community trust and exposing deep-rooted corruption in local government.
At a Glance
- Francisco “Frank” Alaniz, former Progreso ISD head, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges
- Progreso Mayor Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis is implicated in storing drugs on school premises
- A 2020 arrest of a school bus driver with 30 pounds of cocaine sparked the investigation
- Multiple public officials and former candidates face federal charges
- The scandal reveals systemic corruption within Progreso’s political hierarchy
Web of Corruption Unravels in Progreso
The small border town of Progreso, Texas, finds itself at the center of a sprawling drug trafficking scandal that has implicated several high-ranking public officials. Francisco “Frank” Javier Alanis, a 40-year-old assistant city manager and school board president, was arrested on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The federal grand jury returned a three-count superseding indictment against Alanis on October 3, involving a conspiracy from January 2020 to March 2022 to distribute cocaine.
The scandal extends beyond Alanis, ensnaring other prominent figures in Progreso’s political landscape. Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis, the Mayor of Progreso, is embroiled in controversy related to drug storage on school premises. Investigations have linked a 2020 arrest of a Progreso ISD bus driver caught with 30 pounds of cocaine to a larger network of drug trafficking within the city’s public institutions.
Former Progreso assistant city manager pleads guilty to federal drug trafficking chargehttps://t.co/A9aXF3sxcL
— KRGV CHANNEL 5 NEWS (@krgv) October 1, 2024
School Facilities Implicated in Drug Distribution
Perhaps most shocking is the allegation that drugs were stored and possibly distributed from school facilities, including the IT room at Dorothy Thompson Middle School. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious questions about the safety of students and the integrity of those entrusted with their education and well-being.
“Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis, the Mayor of Progreso, Texas, has recently been at the center of a significant controversy following his involvement in a scheme related to drug storage on school premises.” – Source
The extent of the corruption became further apparent when over $722,000 was found at Mayor Alanis’s mother’s residence. Citing him as a significant community risk, a judge denied Alanis bond. He now faces charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine.
Widening Net of Arrests and Indictments
The scandal has expanded to include former political candidates and other city officials. Dagoberto “Dago” Treviño, a former Progreso City Council candidate, has been indicted on drug trafficking charges, accused of being part of a conspiracy involving approximately 194 pounds of cocaine. Treviño’s connection to PLL Logistics, a company owned by Pedro Luis Lopez who has a history of legal issues related to drug smuggling, further complicates the case.
“He’s a very straight man. He’s loved by everyone,” Treviño told CBS 4 News during a June 2024 interview. “He does a lot for the community, I can tell you that.” – Source
Other individuals charged in connection with the drug trafficking operation include Jose Rosbel Salas, who has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing, as well as David Gomez Ramos, Gregorio Salinas, and Juan Pablo Serrata, who are in custody pending further proceedings.
Impact on Community Trust and Future Implications
The unfolding scandal has severely eroded trust in Progreso’s public institutions. With multiple officials implicated in drug trafficking, residents are left questioning the integrity of their local government and school system. The case highlights the vulnerability of border communities to drug trafficking operations and the potential for corruption to infiltrate all levels of local leadership.
“The magistrate Judge Karen Betancourt deemed Progreso Mayor Gerardo “Jerry” Alanis a significant risk to the community, leading her to decide that he should not be granted bond and must remain in custody pending the resolution of his drug charges.” – Source
As the investigation continues, led by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from several agencies including the DEA and Texas law enforcement, the full extent of the corruption may yet to be revealed. The case, part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, targets high-level criminal organizations and may have far-reaching implications for drug trafficking operations along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Sources:
1.Progreso official charged for drug trafficking
2.Feds arrest former Progreso City Council candidate on drug trafficking charges
