Former Austin Mayor Aide Sentenced for Federal Funds Scheme

A former aide to ex-Austin Mayor Steve Adler, 73-year-old Frank Rodriguez, has been sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to pay $21,375 in restitution for his role in a federal funds scheme. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Monday [https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/former-austin-city-hall-aide-sentenced-conspiring-misapply-federal-grant] that Rodriguez conspired to "misapply federal funds and to falsify records" related to a nonprofit he co-founded and benefited from while working in the mayor's office.

"I take full, total responsibility for my actions without any excuse, and I'm accepting the consequences of my actions. I believe I've had a distinguished career, and I'm disappointed it's been eclipsed by my behavior. As I told the court, however, I am resilient, and I will overcome this and continue to do good work for my community." - Frank Rodriguez to the Statesman.

The scheme was first brought to light by the American-Statesman's investigation in 2017, which revealed that Rodriguez's nonprofit, Latino HealthCare Forum, received $1 million in public funds through budget recommendations he influenced as a city employee. The FBI confirmed the Statesman's findings, leading to Rodriguez's guilty plea in 2022.

According to the DOJ, Rodriguez falsified documents to secure $750,000 in federal funds for the nonprofit and was initially awarded $190,000. He then entered a consulting agreement with the nonprofit, receiving $21,375 while also working for the city, where he advocated for the nonprofit and provided it with confidential information.

Rodriguez's actions violated city ethics codes, and he provided false testimony under oath to the city ethics commission. His behavior while working for Adler and previously as the city’s budget director and a founding member of Central Health, is a stark contrast to his claim of a "distinguished career." The public and government officials must remain vigilant against such corruption.