Commissioner Handy denies wrongdoing as agents continue raid

WESLACO - Hidalgo County Commissioner Sylvia Handy on Friday denied she was involved in any illegal activity, hours into an FBI raid on her Weslaco office.

"I can say without a doubt that I have not been involved in any illegal activity to defraud taxpayers," she said in a written statement. "I have not done anything wrong."

Agents removed several boxes from the Precinct One commissioner’s office just after 8 a.m. and remained at the building gathering evidence throughout the afternoon.

The FBI and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s office have been investigating the Precinct One office for several months for an alleged misuse of county funds, authorities said.

But in March, Handy denied she had been contacted by any authorities in regards to the investigation.

She reiterated her innocence Friday afternoon at a press conference outside of her Donna home.

Although most county staffers refused to comment, some of her colleagues voiced support for the long-time commissioner.

“We all work together and I wish her the best,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe Flores said. “Nobody is guilty until proven so.”

Staff members reported that County Judge J.D. Salinas was aware of the raid and would make a statement later in the day.

Handy told reporters gathered at her house that she would release an e-mail statement later in the day.