The House Dem Brother case has returned public attention to Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar. His brother, Martin Cuellar, is preparing to appear in court over federal allegations involving the misuse of county resources. Henry Cuellar previously received a presidential pardon in a separate federal case. The new legal proceedings have again focused attention on the Cuellar family as the congressman seeks another term in office.
Martin Cuellar serves as sheriff of Webb County, Texas. Federal prosecutors accuse him of misappropriating county funds. They allege he used public employees and government resources to operate a private disinfecting business. Martin Cuellar has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court.
According to prosecutors, Martin Cuellar and others launched Disinfect Pro Master in April 2020. Investigators allege the company signed service agreements with local businesses and restaurants. They also claim the business initially operated without its own employees or supplies.
Federal prosecutors further allege Webb County Sheriff’s Office employees handled the company’s daily operations. Investigators claim county workers collected schedules and equipment from the sheriff’s office. They allegedly performed disinfecting services during and outside regular working hours.
The indictment also alleges Martin Cuellar received about $175,000 in illegal proceeds between 2020 and 2022. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He could also receive a fine of up to $250,000 and other penalties determined by the court.
The case comes months after President Donald Trump granted Henry Cuellar a pardon in a separate federal case. Prosecutors had accused the congressman of bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering. The allegations involved an oil and gas company controlled by the government of Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank. The pardon ended those criminal proceedings and allowed Cuellar to continue his reelection campaign.
After receiving the pardon, Henry Cuellar announced he would seek another congressional term. He said the decision allowed him to move forward while continuing his public service and campaign.
Henry Cuellar is not charged in his brother’s case. However, the investigation has renewed public interest because of the family’s longstanding political connections. Federal campaign finance records show his campaign committee and leadership political action committee paid his sister, Rosie Cuellar, for campaign work in 2022. Records also show contributions supporting her judicial campaign.
Campaign finance filings also indicate Henry Cuellar donated to Martin Cuellar’s sheriff campaigns in 2008 and 2020. Those contributions have drawn additional attention because of the family’s political involvement.
A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee criticized the Cuellar family after the latest developments. Henry Cuellar’s campaign did not immediately issue a public response regarding the allegations involving his brother.
Martin Cuellar remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Future hearings will determine how the evidence advances through the federal court process.
Henry Cuellar secured the Democratic nomination after winning the Texas primary in March. He now advances to the November 3 general election. He will seek another term representing one of Texas’ most competitive congressional districts.
As the legal proceedings continue, the House Dem Brother case remains separate from Henry Cuellar’s earlier criminal matter. Even so, the House Dem Brother case continues attracting political attention as the federal prosecution and congressional campaign move forward.
