Former state Rep. Jim Solis pleads guilty

Former State Rep. Jim Solis pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Brownsville to his role in ex-404th state District Judge Abel C. Limas’ extortion and bribery scheme in exchange for favorable rulings regarding two civil lawsuits before Limas’ court.

Solis stood quietly before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen, who repeatedly asked Solis if he was pleading guilty because he is guilty.

"Yes," Solis said.

(CLICK HERE to read Solis' plea agreement.)

Based on the information provided this morning to the court, Solis was unveiled as "Person C."

The two civil lawsuits in which Limas received bribes in exchange for favorable rulings are the Maria Guadalupe Garcia, individually, et al. vs. Metro Aviation, Inc., et al., and the case of Juan Antonio Coronado and Francisco Solis Ramirez vs. Peter Zavaletta, et al.

Solis’ sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 1.

Limas pleaded guilty on March 31 to one federal count of racketeering. He will be sentenced in July.

For more on this story read Saturday's Brownsville Herald.