Official: Robert Almonte no longer working for Justice Department

Robert Almonte, the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas, no longer works for the Department of Justice, Patrick Rodenbush with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs said.

“Almonte is no longer employed by the Department of Justice. I will otherwise decline to comment on Department personnel matters,” Rodenbush said.

Scott Williams, a Deputy U.S. Marshal in El Paso, told ABC-7 he was not authorized to comment.

Thursday, News 4 San Antonio reported Almonte was about to be placed on administrative leave. The NBC affiliate reported an email went out to all federal judges in the district Wednesday informing them Almonte was to be placed on administrative leave Thursday “pending removal proceedings.”

Almonte, who is from El Paso, has been the U.S. Marshal in the Western District of Texas for more than six years. His district includes El Paso.

In 2014, KABB, the Fox affiliate in San Antonio, reported the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General was investigating Almonte.

Investigators were looking into unauthorized training presentations the Marshal was allegedly paid for, but not authorized to do. Almonte allegedly failed to report the training and income as well as reimbursements.

Almonte is also accused of misusing resources for allegedly giving federal employees tasks not related to their official duties, according to KABB.

When ABC-7 reported the allegations in 2014, Almonte said, “I will cooperate fully with the investigation. I am confident there will be a fair and favorable determination and I am proud of my service with the United States Marshals service and my focus is on the performance of my duties.”

Below is the statement emailed to ABC-7 by Almonte’s attorney, Enrique Moreno:

“Robert Almonte has an exemplary record as United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas. Under his leadership, the Western District of Texas continues to be one of the top districts in the country for arrests, the top district for violent gang member arrests, and the top district for sex offender arrests. He maintained excellent relations with the Judiciary of the Western District of Texas, a primary responsibility of the Marshal Service. He was recently informed that based on the results of a “Climate Survey” conducted in September of 2015, he would be placed on administrative leave. He asked for and was denied the opportunity to see the Survey and to address its contents. It offends any notion of fairness that he would not be permitted to see the Survey or address its allegations. Regrettably, it is his decision that it is in the best interest of the Marshal Service and his family to resign. He is grateful for the expressions of support he has received from the community most especially the law enforcement community. He has faithfully served the President of the United States and the Country and his service and leadership will be missed. He is weighing his options moving forward.”

Sincerely,
Enrique Moreno
Attorney for former United States Marshal Robert Almonte