Pubdate: Mon, 19 Dec 2005
Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX)
Copyright: 2005 San Antonio Express-News
Contact:  http://www.mysanantonio.com/expressnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/384
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Conrado+Cantu

HALL OF SHAME ROLLS GAIN ANOTHER SHERIFF

Former Cameron County Sheriff Conrado Cantu would have  been wise to
heed his own advice.

It could have kept him a free man.

Instead of avoiding gangs, saying no to drugs and  leading an honest
life as he used to advise school  children during Red Ribbon Week,
Cantu chose to  dishonor the badge he carried.

He was sentenced last week to 24 years in federal  prison after
pleading guilty to charges of protecting  drug traffickers, illegal
gambling and money  laundering.

In a long rambling plea for leniency before the bench,  the
Express-News reported, Cantu claimed he violated  the law while lost
in sin and alcohol.

Fortunately the judge did not buy into Cantu's  courtroom
theatrics.

Cantu brought disgrace to his office, his community and  his family.
He has earned the right to spend a couple  of decades behind without a
chance for parole.

Court records indicate Cantu started abusing his county  post within
days of being sworn into office in January  2001.

Federal officials allege Cantu and his associates took  more than $2
million in bribes and protection money  from the very crooks they were
supposed to be taking  off the streets.

After his arrest, it was discovered the former sheriff  was leading a
double life, according to media reports.  He had a wife of 20 years in
the Valley and a new  family across the border in Matamoros.

Cantu has the dubious honor of being the fifth South  Texas sheriff
handed a prison sentence on federal  corruption charges during the
last 11 years.

U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle's stiff sentence for  Cantu should
send a loud and clear message to all  elected officials who might have
the slightest  temptation to break the law.

That message is plain: Criminal behavior, especially  among law
enforcement officials, will not be tolerated  and will be prosecuted
to the full extent of the law.
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