LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - According to NBC News, the Justice Department is expected to announce the indictment of Congressman Henry Cuellar.

NBC News stated that two sources familiar with the matter informed the outlet of the expected formal charge against the Texas congressman.

This comes after Cuellar’s house and campaign officers were raided in Laredo back in January of 2022 as part of a federal investigation into Azerbaijan and a group of U.S. businessmen who have ties to the country, law enforcement said at the time.

Since the raid, Cuellar’s office and the congressman have stated that they have been fully cooperating with the investigation.

Cuellar is a one-time co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus.

At this time, it’s not clear if the indictment is related to the 2022 raid. The Justice Department declined to comment.

Shortly after the report came to light, Congressman Cuellar issued a statement.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - A familiar face is taking over as the new City of Laredo Secretary.

This week was the first week for city secretary Mario Maldonado who is replacing Jose Valdez Jr who held the position for six years.

Maldonado has worked in various city departments for over 28 years including the municipal housing department, bridge department and even as the interim airport director.

As part of his duties, Maldonado says he is ready to work closely with the mayor, city council and the city manager’s office to help our community.

“I saw this great opportunity to come help the city of Laredo with their projects,” said Maldonado. “I am very familiar with the operations of the city, the different departments, and also most of the directors, and the city management, I know them very well also, I know how they operate, very excited to help the mayor and the city council again.”

As a city secretary, Maldonado will also help coordinate the upcoming elections for city council.

Maldonado says the last day to register will take place in July and they will release more information as the deadline approaches.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - A car catches fire in the parking lot of a south Laredo high school.

KGNS News received reports of a vehicle fire on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at around 3:50 p.m.

A photograph showed a vehicle in the parking lot of what was confirmed to be United South High School.

UISD officials say the fire department was called out to extinguish the fire.

The school issued a stay-in-place protocol while crews worked to extinguish the fire.

The fire was contained without incident and no injuries were reported.

No word on the cause of the fire.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department is inviting the community to grab your running shoes and hit the trails in honor of police week.

The department will hold its 2024 “Back the Blue” 5K Run and Walk.

The event takes place at North Central Park on May 11th at 8 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to register ahead of time for a fee of $20.

They can also register the day of the event from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for $30.

Police say the first 200 finalists will receive a medal and the first to register will receive a free t-shirt.

For more information on registration click here.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - A woman is arrested after leaving four kids home alone for more than 24 hours.

Laredo Police received a call on Sunday, April 28, at around 9:30 p.m. regarding a group of children that were home alone at a home near the 1400 block of E. Reynolds Street.

Officers arrived at the location and spoke to a man who stated that Ruby Ann Ordóñez, 33 had left her kids, 12, 9, 7, and 3 unattended since the previous day.

Police conducted a follow up and Ordóñez was arrested at the 500 block of Desert Chief Drive.

She was charged with four counts of abandoning a child without intent to return.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - A man is facing charges after he allegedly pulled out a knife on a grocery store employee.

Laredo Police arrested Eduardo Hendrix Castillo, 58 and charged him with aggravated assault and criminal trespassing.

The incident was reported on Sunday, April 28 at around 8 a.m. at the H-E-B store located at 200 Del Mar.

An employee called police and told them that a man, identified as Castillo had previously been issued a criminal trespass warning and was told to leave the business.

Employees also stated that Castillo attempted to purchase a beer and when he was told to leave, he pulled out a knife on the manager, and left the store.

Shortly after, officers were able to detain Castillo without incident.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - Laredo Police continue to investigate a bank robbery that took place in north Laredo Saturday morning.

Arturo Limon II, 42, was arrested and charged with robbery.

The incident happened on April 27, 2024, at around 9:20 a.m. at the Falcon Bank off of Monarch Drive and McPherson Road.

Several law enforcement officers were called to the bank and were seen searching the area.

According to police, it was reported that Limon did not pull out a weapon during the robbery, and he allegedly stole under $20,000.

At around 3:45 p.m. police confirmed that they had arrested Limon.

The case remains under investigation by LPD and the FBI.