Socorro Councilman Arrested For Cocaine, Marijuana Possession

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office arrested four people Tuesday afternoon for drug possession, including a Socorro City Council representative.

At about 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, the sheriff’s office conducted an operation at the 10840 block of North Loop in Socorro, Texas.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects for the delivery of 43.5 pounds of marijuana.

Varela is now the second elected official under investigation from the city, joining Mayor Willie Gandara Sr., who’s been indicted on corruption charges.

“You guys, I can’t comment. I’m waiting for a call, you know,” Gandara said. “Well, of course I am (shocked), that’s all I’m going to say, I’m sorry guys.”

Varela was first elected to the Socorro City Council now-County Commissioner Willie Gandara Jr. was Socorro mayor. Varela was re-elected when Gandara Sr. was elected mayor.

Varela has also been the only councilman supporting the mayor in recent efforts to recall city representatives after they asked Gandara Sr. to step down following his indictment on corruption charges.

Mary Garica, Socorro City Council Member for district 3, told ABC-7 she was shocked and disappointed to hear of Varela’s arrest.

“I’m gonna take the same stand I took when they indicted the mayor,” she said. “I hope he resigns. I think that’s the honorable thing to do.”

Garcia said Socorro council members are paid $10,000 a year.

Sheriff’s deputies said Varela made a deal to sell 43 pounds of marijuana for $310 a pound.

The buyers were undercover detectives.

Sheriff’s officials said Varela and the three men were arrested somewhere off of North Loop in a busy commercial area in Socorro and they searched Varela’s car and found 27.5 grams of cocaine.

“It came as a shock to us, they are elected officials, they are held to a higher standard. However, it doesn’t change the fact that they have to be accountable for their actions,” said El Paso Sheriff’s Spokesman Tovar.

The counts against Varela have nothing to do with the corruption charges the mayor is facing.

Deputies say this is a separate investigation and street level narcotics bust.

Charges are as follows: Luis Varela, 40, of Socorro, Texas- Delivery of marijuana greater than five pounds but less than 50 pounds. Bond is $80,000. Possession of cocaine greater than four grams but less than 200 grams. Bond is $60,000.

Ernesto Garcia, 29, of El Paso- Delivery of marijuana greater than 5 pounds but less than 50 pounds. Bond is $80,000.

David Alarcon, 19, of El Paso- Delivery of marijuana greater than 5 pounds but less than 50 pounds. Bond is $80,000.

Jesus Palacios, 49, of El Paso- Delivery of marijuana greater than 5 pounds but less than 50 pounds. Bond is $80,000.

More arrests are pending.

Socorro City Council will meet to discuss advice from its city attorney during executive session at Thursday’s 6 p.m. council meeting.