El Paso businessman Sonny Garcia pleads guilty in public corruption case

El Paso businessman Ruben “Sonny” Garcia pleaded guilty Monday to taking part in a conspiracy to commit theft or embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funds meant for a children’s mental health program.

A subdued Garcia, who showed up more than a half hour before issuing his guilty plea, showed little or no emotion during the one hour hearing in Federal Judge Frank Montalvo’s courtroom.

Garcia faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 dollars and possible restitution to El Paso County.

He also pleaded guilty on behalf of LKG Enterprises as president of the company, which faces possible probation and additional fines up to half a million dollars and restitution.

Garcia admitted he agreed to pay former County Judge Delores Briones $24,000 over a 12-month period in 2006 to use her influence as judge to help LKG get work with the county.

Briones has pleaded guilty. Former Alivianne CEO Chilo Madrid is also accused in the scheme, but has not offered a plea.

Briones’ Commissioners Court hired LKG to evaluate how the Border Children’s Mental Health Collaboration used grant money.

The FBI said Garcia and Madrid billed the county for more than $500,000 dollars worth of work that was never done.

ABC-7 asked Garcia for comment as he left the courthouse Monday, but he did not say a word. Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced in March of 2013.