A judge in Houston approved federal prosecutors’ motion on Thursday to drop two of the 14 charges in a federal bribery and conspiracy indictment against U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas and his spouse. Additionally, the judge mandated that their September trial be delayed for the following year.
U.S. Justice Department prosecutors had requested that U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal dismiss two charges against Cuellar and his spouse for each breaking the law against public officials serving as agents of a foreign principal.
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Cuellar, 69, and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, have been charged by federal investigators with collecting thousands of dollars in exchange for the congressman promoting the interests of a bank in Mexico and an energy business run by Azerbaijan. According to Cuellar, he and his spouse are innocent.
In response to a February memo from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that changed the emphasis of charges brought under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, prosecutors announced they were dropping the two counts. The goal of the law is to guarantee openness regarding lobbying activities carried out in the United States under the supervision of foreign governments or principals.
According to Bondi’s memo, these charges will only be brought against foreign government actors for suspected actions that resemble more conventional espionage.
Rosenthal stated she was going to submit an order allowing the prosecution’s motion to dismiss the two offenses during a Zoom court meeting.
Twelve counts, including conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering, remain against Cuellar and his spouse.
Rosenthal also approved the Cuellars’ request to reschedule their trial in Houston, which was requested by the attorneys and prosecution. The trial for the pair was scheduled to start on September 22. Rosenthal consented to reschedule for April 6.
Cuellar has been a member of Congress for more than 20 years, and his district covers South Texas from San Antonio to the border with Mexico.
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