Mena Will Be First To Face Trial In Public Corruption Investigation

EL PASO, Texas — Judge Frank Montalvo set a trial date of March 30 for Sal Mena, the former El Paso ISD board member who was indicted on public corruption charges, Mena’s attorney Miguel Torres confirmed to ABC-7. The date was set at a hearing on Monday.

Mena will be the first defendant to go to trial in the federal government’s public corruption investigation.

At a hearing earlier this month, Debra Kanof, the prosecutor for the public corruption cases, said Mena had been seeking a plea deal with the government. However, now Mena will face a trial on the eight-count federal indictment issued by a grand jury. Mena’s attorney had no comment on why his client chose a trial instead of a plea bargain.

Menawas arrested Aug. 29 and charged with mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, deprivation of right to honest services and making false statements to obtain credit.He is currently free on bond.

by ABC-7 web producer Annette Arrigucci