Democrat Congressman from Texas Henry Cuellar, left, and Webb County, Texas Sheriff Martin Cuellar, right, pictured in 2019. (Gilles Mingasson and Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In a statement put out by the sheriff after he appeared in court this week, Cuellar vehemently defended himself and insisted that he would be "fully vindicated."
"Over the course of my career – as a Texas State Trooper, a narcotics Sergeant investigator, Narcotics Lieutenant and now as your Sheriff – I have learned the difference between what is right and what is wrong, and I know what I did and did not do," the statement reads. "While this process moves forward, I ask the public to let the facts - not rumors, not speculation – guide their judgement. My responsibility remains the same as it was yesterday and the day before … I remain fully engaged in my duties and in communication with the community. Public safety does not pause, and neither does my commitment to this office."
Congressman Cuellar's office also put out a statement echoing his brother's comments, adding that he has "a deep respect for the law" and would be vindicated in the end.
"Under our constitution, he is innocent until proven guilty," the congressman's statement said. "My brother Martin has served our community as a peace officer for more than forty years with integrity, professionalism, and a deep respect for the law. He is an honest man."
TRUMP ENDORSES CUELLAR OPPONENT AFTER PARDONING DEM REP
President Donald Trump, right, said Rep. Henry Cuellar, left, running for re-election was a "great act of disloyalty." (Alex Brandon/AP; Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
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When reached for comment, the White House referred Fox News Digital to the Justice Department.
"The Cuellar Crime Family will screw over small businesses and local schools if it means enriching themselves," Republican National Committee spokesperson Zachary Kraft said.
"South Texans deserve leaders focused on serving taxpayers, not those focused on finding new ways to illegally funnel money into their own pockets," he continued. "Voters are going to send a strong message in November that they've had enough of the family who puts their self-interests above South Texas values."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-pardon-house-dem-cuellar-back-in-spotlight-brother-faces-indictment