McALLEN, Texas (AP) — Hidalgo County Commissioner Sylvia Handy and her husband have been arrested today in an illegal immigrant fraud investigation.
They're accused in an alleged scheme in which the county paid illegal immigrants for housekeeping and child care in the couple's home.
Handy, her husband Juan Gabriel Espronceda and two others are charged.
The indictment says the illegal immigrants collected county salaries -- but only worked at home for Handy. Investigators claim Handy defrauded the county of $111,000.
Handy pleaded not guilty to all six counts during a hearing today. Bond was set at $100,000 bond. Her three co-defendants face arraignment Tuesday.
Also named in the indictment are Maria de los Angeles Landa de Hernandez, who's a Mexican citizen, and Eloisa Andrade Uriegas of McAllen.
Handy has served 12 years on the Hidalgo County Commission.
(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
