Former Falcon Dam employees plead guilty to theft charges

Two former top employees of the Falcon Dam and Power Plant Project have admitted to stealing more than $10,000 using a government-issued credit card, prosecutors said.

Silverio Garza Jr., the facility’s ex-manager, and Joel Javier Garza, the former facilities superintendent, pleaded guilty to federal theft charges during a hearing Monday.

The two men — who are not related — bought tractor tires, toolboxes, clothing, mugs, pet supplies and an all-terrain vehicle over a period of two years using cards issued to them for expenses related to their jobs, according to the three-count indictment in their case.

Silverio Garza, 59, also embezzled power plant man hours estimated to be worth $3,000 by directing employees to conduct work on his personal property, prosecutors said.

Investigators with the International Boundary and Water Commission’s Office of the Inspector General believe the scheme began in 2007, when the facility manager told Joel Garza, 40, that it would be “in his best interest” to make personal purchases for his boss on a government credit card.

But Joel Garza soon began using the credit card for himself as well.

After an IBWC audit uncovered the theft in July, the pair attempted to delete government data, files and records and brought supplies they had purchased themselves to a commission warehouse to cover up the theft, prosecutors said.

Prior to his arrest last year, Silverio Garza had worked for the agency for 22 years. Joel Garza was employed by IBWC for 11.

Both men face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 at a sentencing hearing set for Sept. 3.

The Falcon Dam power plant, located in Falcon Heights and managed by the IBWC, generates hydroelectric energy used to supply the power grid throughout western Starr County.