Two prominent El Pasoans sentenced for role in corruption scam

Two men involved in a countywide corruption scam received their sentence Tuesday morning.

Former Bear Sterns broker Robert “Bobby” Ruiz and former councilman and lobbyist Raymond Telles faced District Judge Frank Montalvo after pleading guilty to attempting to bribe former County Judge Anthony Cobos.

Ruiz is sentenced to two years in prison, three months probation and a $175,000. Telles is sentenced to five years probation, and a $4,000 fine payable in $100 monthly increments.

Telles’ attorney told Montalvo, Telles lost everything, including his family; that he’s a recluse, and surrendered his law license in 2009. Telles now works as a handyman.

Montalvo replied, “He was one of the first to cooperation…and clearly of all the men and women in this case, he benefited the least.”

Ruiz was not so lucky. His attorney’s told Montalvo, Ruiz’s testimony resulted in nine convictions. Montalvo said he was insulted by the claim, adding three were already cooperating with the government.

“Until he was caught,” Montalvo said, “he had been doing nothing for the community.”

Montalvo said Ruiz will have to surrender himself to U.S. Marshals in Dallas on the first Monday of January 2014.