Indicted Former County Judge Anthony Cobos Out On Bond

Former County Judge Anthony Cobos bonded out of jail Wednesday evening but still faces serious charges in connection to the FBI’s public corruption investigations in the borderland.

“I’m very anxious to get back to my wife and children, thank you all,” said Cobos outside the jail. He did not comment on the allegations against him, instead wishing inquiring reporters a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Cobos was released about four hours after his bond hearing Wednesday before a judge. He had been in jail since Friday morning and spent much of the time in his own cell away from other inmates for his own protection.

The judge set a $50,000 signature bond for Cobos and set a list of conditions. Cobos cannot got to Mexico and must give up his passport. He cannot contact co-defendants or witnesses and must hand over any weapons at his home.

Cobos was indicted in what authorities are a calling a “pay-to-play” scheme tied to an ongoing public corruption investigation.

Cobos, whose full name is Antonio Guillermo Cobos, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and the deprivation of honest services; one count of mail fraud and the deprivation of honest services; and, one count of mail fraud.

The indictment alleges that during 2007, Cobos accepted bribes in the form of cash money and other benefits, including campaign contributions to El Paso City Council candidates he supported, in exchange for his vote and influence in refinancing approximately $40 million of El Paso County debt and to terminate the then El Paso County financial adviser’s contract and replace with another company, according to a news release issued by United States Attorney Robert Pitman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Morgan.

Cobos’ attorney Richard Esper told ABC-7 his client denies the charges and is ready to defend himself during a trial.

Cobos could have been released from jail earlier, but was denied bond on Friday because he refused to answer routine questions from pre-trial services officers about his assets without his attorney present.

Cobos has since answered those questions about his assets, but his answers were called into questions during Wednesday’s bond hearing. Prosecutors told the judge they were concerned Cobos had not been entirely forthcoming about the financial resources he has. The judge replied, “we are not going to go there.”

When asked about the exchange after the hearing, Esper explained, “the judge said it was not relevant as far as he’s concerned. I don’t have any evidence that (Cobos) misled anybody.”

Esper said the next step is a docket call. A trial date has not been set, but Esper anticipates it will happen during the latter part of next year.