MEDIA RELEASE

FBI
Federal Bureau of Investigation
615 East Houston Street, Suite 200
San Antonio, Texas 78205

POINT OF CONTACT:
Jorge L. Cisneros, Supervisory Special Agent
FBI, San Antonio
Phone: (956) 984-6300
After Hours: (210) 225-6741

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Antonio, Texas, October 5, 2006

Ralph G. Diaz, Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), whose territory covers the Rio Grande Valley, advised that on January 24,2004, Humberto Garza, also known as "Gallo", had been interviewed by Special Agents of the FBI for his involvement in several high profile investigations. Mr. Garza was interviewed at length during which time he made numerous admissions and statements. During the course of his interview, Mr. Garza made unspecified corruption allegations against several local law enforcement agencies. At no time during these interviews were specific law enforcement individuals mentioned. The full details of Mr Garza's interviews to include the corruption allegations were immediately shared with the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, and the Edinburg Police Department.

Mr. Diaz refutes a report dated October 4, 2006 by the newspaper "The Paper of South Texas" that the FBI had been given information by Mr. Garza on specifically La Villa detention officers or their possible affiliation with any organized gang. Mr. Garza's interviews by the FBI did not contain any allegations of improper actions by any East Hidalgo Detention Center staff member. This newspaper incorrectly reports that there is a connection between Garza's interview results and the recent escapees of East Hidalgo Detention Center in La Villa, Texas.

Mr Diaz states that the FBI considers public corruption investigations one of its top priorities. Any allegations of corruption are fully investigated and coordinated with the United States Attorney's Office for prosecution.