NEWS Staff Report
Cameron County Drainage District No. 3 is at the heart of a growing scandal that has resulted in the arrest of current and former officials of the entity.
Last week, state authorities arrested the Drainage District’s current president, former general manager, and a former board member, all of whom were charged with misapplication of fiduciary property ranging from $30,000 to $150,000.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is overseeing the investigation.
Ronaldo Garcia, the current president of the board, and Randall McMurray, a former director and secretary, each faced one charge. Sonia Lambert, the entity’s longtime and well-liked former general manager, was arrested on two counts.
Lambert served as the entity’s GM from 1999 until she retired in 2024.
According to DPS, an investigation into abuse of official capacity was initiated in October 2025, following a complaint alleging that an elected district board member falsified government records to obtain reimbursements for services not provided.
These offenses are said to have occurred continuously over approximately 25 years.
During a Drainage District board meeting held last week, officials voted to keep legal counsel to advise on board compensation.
Ben Escobar, the current General Manager of the Cameron County Drainage District, released a statement indicating that the District is aware of recent reports involving a member of its Board of Directors.
The statement reads, “The District takes all matters concerning governance and public trust seriously and is reviewing the situation in consultation with legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable law and District policy.”
“This is a personal legal matter, and the individual is entitled to due process. The District will not comment further while the legal process is ongoing,” according to the statement. “The District remains fully operational and continues to carry out its responsibilities to the public without interruption. Additional information will be provided if and when it becomes appropriate.
According to the entity’s website, the District was established on May 13, 1912, following an election held on May 9, 1912.
It is overseen by a board of three elected directors and was established as the San Benito Cameron County Drainage District No. 3.
The District’s main goal is to remove excess surface water caused by rain and runoff. Maintenance and mowing of drain ditches and pipelines happen throughout the year.
According to its website, the Drainage District’s jurisdiction covers over 100,000 acres, and since its establishment, it has installed more than 385 miles of drainage ditches and pipelines.
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