[South Texas:]State lawmaker acquired ranch from drug dealers

Corpus Christi Caller-Times/AP ^ | December 6, 2008

[SwinneySwitch]

AUSTIN — Prosecutors are investigating the growing real estate portfolio of a powerful South Texas lawmaker who acquired valuable land from convicted drug dealers.

The Travis County investigation of state Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview, began over questions about discounted air travel he allegedly received from a major political contributor who is developing a racetrack. But the probe has since widened to include Flores' land holdings, his lawyer, Roy Minton, said Friday.

One of those holdings is a South Texas ranch where an illegal immigrant was allegedly beaten to death by one of Flores' ranch hands, another illegal immigrant, who then fled to Mexico. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino said prosecutors have asked for his agency's report and affidavits on that case.

Flores was never suspected of involvement in the crime and Minton said he is "dead certain" the public corruption probe in Austin has nothing to do with the unsolved killing.

Assistant District Attorney Gregg Cox did not return a phone call from The Associated Press.

In 2005, Flores gained control of a 6-acre tract from convicted drug dealers in Hidalgo County, on the Texas-Mexico border, records show.

Minton said the ranch itself, and how Flores acquired it, have become the subject of criminal inquiry.

"I know from talking to the district attorney's office that they have looked at several things, including that transaction," Minton told The AP.

[SwinneySwitch]

"Flores didn't acquire the Hidalgo County ranch through the usual purchasing process. A judge awarded him ownership in January 2005 on the land he had used for more than 10 years. The process, known as adverse possession, allows people to acquire legal title to land that they have used unimpeded for at least a decade, much like a common-law marriage."

Demonrats at work.

[Frantzie]

The Latin American drug cartel/La Raza can buy most American politicians as most of them are cheap whores.

[John123]

where an illegal immigrant was allegedly beaten to death by one of Flores' ranch hands, another illegal immigrant, who then fled to Mexico

Uh... doing the things Americans won't do?

Good plan... commit a capital crime in American and run off to Mexico... aren't the Mexicans sick and tired of murderers getting away by now?

[SwinneySwitch]

Adverse Possession ping!

If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.

[editor-surveyor]

"In 2005, Flores gained control of a 6-acre tract from convicted drug dealers in Hidalgo County, on the Texas-Mexico border"

Six acres would make a nice barn and stable site, but a 'ranch?' I don't think so, especially not in Texas.

[nkycincinnatikid]

Well if was OK for LBJ, what’s the problem with a hispanic doing it?

[Steamburg]

I’m confused, they listed his party affiliation in the article.

[Lion Den Dan]

Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview

Now how did we know that???????

[Paleo Conservative]

I wonder if Celis gave this guy money?

[Trajan88]

RE: "adverse possession"

Hmm sounds like the true definition of a sweet-heart deal.

Wish I can find one of those in the Frisco/Prosper/Celina/Gunter area of north Texas.

[Lurker]

Demonrats at work.

With a little help from the War On (some) Drugs.

L

[org.whodat]

Sounds like he got more than would fit in a freezer!!!

[SwinneySwitch]

Maybe a ranchito? It was big enough for Kino to have 2 illegals working on it.

[SwinneySwitch]

Do you know any D judges up there?

[SwinneySwitch]

“...Minton said he is “dead certain” the public corruption probe in Austin has nothing to do with the unsolved killing.”

Maybe not the best choice of words for Kino’s lawyer to use.