Cameron County drainage board kept paying itself for meetings that never happened
In February 2026 the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested three officials of Cameron County Drainage District No. 3 in San Benito: board president Ronaldo Garcia, former general manager Sonia Lambert and former director Randall McMurray, on charges of misapplication of fiduciary property. According to the criminal complaint reported by KRGV, board members received about $300,000 combined since 2000 above Texas Water Code limits, and signed attendance sheets for meetings that were never held while the district averaged one meeting a month. Investigators said Garcia received $108,000 over lawful amounts and McMurray $87,000. McMurray's charge was dismissed on Aug. 17 after he paid restitution. Garcia and Lambert still face charges, and Garcia remains listed as board president on the district's website. The district called it a personal legal matter and declined further comment.
A review of documents and meeting dates showed board members signing attendance sheets for meetings that never took place.
Board president Ronaldo Garcia was arrested on Feb. 24, 2026 in connection with the investigation, DPS said.
Last week, state authorities arrested the Drainage District's current president, former general manager, and a former board member, all of whom were charged with misapplication of fiduciary property ranging from $30,000 to $150,000.
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