A 44-year-old Mission resident, Mario Alberto Rodriguez, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced.

Rodriguez admitted to orchestrating a scheme involving false warranty deeds to deceive lenders and homebuyers. He sold lots with plans for townhome construction without properly filing warranty deeds, leaving no official record of the sales. This allowed him to sell the same property multiple times.

Rodriguez also directed co-conspirators to obtain new loans on previously sold properties, using the funds for unrelated purposes. Victims were defrauded of more than $770,000, and construction on the properties was never completed, preventing buyers from taking possession.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 12 before Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane. Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential $250,000 fine. He remains on bond pending sentencing.

The investigation involved the FBI, Texas Department of Insurance, McAllen Police Department, and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.