News Summary
McAllen, Texas faces turmoil as two locals receive federal prison sentences for separate wire fraud schemes totaling $1.4 million. Daniel Rodriguez Martinez was sentenced to 54 months after running a fake electricity company, while Mayela Saby Cantu received two years for falsifying documents at a title company. Both individuals highlight the serious impact of fraudulent activities on the community, prompting reminders of integrity in business practices. Investigations by multiple agencies, including the FBI and local authorities, showcase the commitment to addressing such crimes.
Texas – Two residents from McAllen have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in separate wire fraud schemes that resulted in significant financial losses to their victims. Daniel Rodriguez Martinez, aged 51, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison, while 55-year-old Mayela Saby Cantu received a two-year prison sentence for her fraudulent activities.
Martinez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on May 1, 2025. Evidence presented during his court hearing revealed that he had fraudulently received over $1.4 million through a scheme involving a nonexistent electricity company. Martinez operated this fraud from March 2021 to May 2024 by opening fake electricity accounts and billing customers a flat fee of $80 per month. Payments were collected via peer-to-peer applications, and funds were subsequently transferred to obscure their fraudulent origins. As part of his plea agreement, Martinez will also forfeit $456,859.76 in U.S. currency and relinquish his interest in various properties. Following his prison term, Martinez will serve three years of supervised release.
Cantu was sentenced on December 20, 2024, after pleading guilty to her involvement in a wire fraud scheme that misled lenders and title companies. While employed at a McAllen title company from November 2020 until her arrest, Cantu utilized falsified lien payoff statements and fraudulent warranty deeds to create deception in transactions. In one instance, she directed the creation of a fake email account to communicate false payoff amounts, leading a title company to release over $350,000 in funds. Cantu orchestrated fraudulent closings on properties that had already been sold and accepted undisclosed cash payments from buyers. She has been ordered to pay $350,000 in restitution and will also serve three years of supervised release upon completing her prison time. Cantu has been granted permission to remain on bond pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The cases against both individuals were investigated by the FBI, with the prosecution of Martinez led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia and Cantu’s case overseen by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan. The investigation into these crimes also involved cooperation from the Texas Department of Insurance, the McAllen Police Department, and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
This crackdown on fraud in McAllen underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat financial crimes in Texas. The severity of the punishments reflects the serious nature of the fraudulent activities, which not only resulted in substantial financial losses but also undermined public trust in legitimate business operations in the area. The federal sentences serve as a warning to others who might consider engaging in similar illegal schemes.
As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to strengthen measures designed to protect consumers and businesses from fraudulent practices. The outcomes of these cases highlight the importance of vigilance in financial dealings and the necessity of reporting suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Valley Central: McAllen Local Sentenced for Wire Fraud
- Texas Border Business: Mission Realtor Admits to $770,000 Fraud
- Border Report: Crude Oil Business Accused of Fraud
- Housing Wire: Former Texas Title Employee Sentenced for Fraud
- My RGV: McAllen Medical Assistant Convicted of Healthcare Fraud
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Google Search: Fraud Schemes
- Google Scholar: Fraud Investigations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Google News: Wire Fraud Cases
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
