Texas District Judge Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado is charged with bribery in connection with programs that receive federal funds, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday, reports the San Antonio Express-News. Federal investigators allege that Delgado, 64, accepted three bribes between November 2016 and January of this year in exchange for favorable judicial consideration on cases. Delgado was released on a $100,000 bond Monday. He is running for an appellate court seat.
While the investigation into Delgado began in November 2016, an attorney alleged that bribes made in cash and other items of value started as far back as 2008. On two occasions over the past two years, Delgado allegedly took bribes from the lawyer, and in return released the attorney’s clients on bond. These two bribes totaled $520 in cash, investigators said. A third bribe allegedly occurred in January, when the lawyer, wearing audio and video recording devices, gave Delgado $5,500 in cash in a white envelope. The lawyer asked for Delgado’s help on a case involving a client with a pending motion. Delgado allegedly agreed to help, and accepted the cash. The next day Delgado released the client on bond.