JARRELL, Texas -- A former Central Texas police chief is going to prison on federal fraud charges.
Former Jarrell Police Chief Andres Tomas Gutierrez, 52, pleaded guilty on Feb. 7 to wire fraud/theft of honest services. A federal judge in Austin allowed Gutierrez to remain free on bond pending sentencing. He was sentenced on Nov. 21 to 54 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Gutierrez left the United States Federal Court House without comment Friday morning. But inside he told the judge he takes full responsibility for his actions and apologized to everyone he let down.
"He is remorseful and very sorry for what he has done," said his attorney Novert Morales.
Morales told the judge Gutierrez had significant debt from school and his wife being in the hospital and committed the crime to provide for his family and pay off bills.
Investigators said between 2011 and 2013 he solicited and accepted cash bribes from illegal immigrants in Jarrell. In return, he granted immigration status reserved for people who help law enforcement.
"He just sold these benefits to basically the highest bidder. He took anywhere from $10,000-$40,000 over the course of two years from individuals in order to provide them these benefits," said Ashley Hoff, division chief for U.S. Attorney's Office.
Fifty miles north of downtown, the community in Jarrell is still in shock.
"We had no idea anything was dishonest," said local business owner Odis Pippins. "I was astounded. You know, he was very personable, down to earth, never had any idea that any of this was going on."
Pippins considered Gutierrez a friend.
"I befriended him and maybe I shouldn't have wasted my time," he said. "I know justice has to be served but, you know, I feel sorry for him and his family."
"Did he really get what he deserved? Bottom line, a lot of them are probably going to say no," added Paul Gonzales.
Gutierrez is a husband and father of two who also served as a police chief in McGregor and Jonestown.
"Mr. Gutierrez is just happy to finally put this behind him and move forward. He's been an extremely productive citizen for 27 years, serving and protecting the community," said Morales.
It's that very reason the U.S. Attorney's office is happy with the judge's decision of four and a half years in prison
"As the judge mentioned, he tarnished the badge. He violated the public trust, the people of Jarrell. They trusted him, they put their confidence in him, he violated that when he sold these benefits," Hoff said.
FBI investigators who worked this case said when it comes to white collar crimes, public corruption is their highest priority.
"It's particularly disturbing of course when basically one of our own, someone else in law enforcement, is breaching the public trust. Because not only does it undermine the system, but it undermines the trust in all of law enforcement," said Duncan Edwards, supervisory special agent for the FBI.
Gutierrez's attorney said he most likely will self-surrender after the first of the year.
