The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Hidalgo County a News Haven

For a news media outlet, there can hardly be a better county in the U.S. than Hidalgo in which to be based. Without mentioning names, not only do we have more than our fair share of criminals, but we have more than our fair share of dumb criminals. Were they born that way, or did they blow away their brain cells on alcohol and drugs, in no particular order: snort some meth, pop-atop of beer, smoke some of that synthetic marijuana that includes anti-freeze, and chase it down with Mad Dog 20/20.

Then we have more than our fair share of corrupt public officials and the vendors who court them. Local, state, and federal law enforcement officers are here investigating public corruption like never before, but based on some of the white-collar-criminal convictions you see pass by the pages of this newspaper almost on a weekly basis, you have to wonder: Do those convicted not know what a microscope they’re under while they pass dollars and kickbacks and quid pro quo under the table? Granted, I don’t think all of those who plead guilty are necessarily guilty, per se, but pleading guilty to a three-year sentence in the hopes of probation vs. risking a trial that carries a 20-year sentence, well, you do the math and weigh the pros and cons of the feds proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in front of a jury. That, plus, once the dominos start to fall, the rats all leave the sinking ship and tell prosecutors whatever they want to hear. Cooperation brings with it a reduced sentence.

Read the entire story on the e-Edition of our newspaper. http://www.etypeservices.com/Advance%20News%20JournalID455/