The FBI began a raid early Thursday morning at the San Antonio law offices of state Sen. Carlos Uresti, The San Antonio Express-News first reported.
FBI agents have been seen at the scene removing boxes from the offices approximately every 30 minutes.
"Law enforcement agents with (the) IRS and FBI are lawfully present conducting a law enforcement operation," FBI spokesperson Michelle Lee says in a written statement. "No further details can be released at this time."
No arrests have been made today, she added.
Uresti, a San Antonio Democrat who represents District 19, is under investigation for his connection to a fraudulent, failed fracking business called Four Winds LLC. He recently sat down with TPR to discuss his legislative priorities for the current session.
In August, Texas Public Radio's The Source reported on questions being raised about Uresti's involvement with Four Winds LLC, a now bankrupt fracking sand company. At the time, some investors called it a ponzi scheme and said that Uresti was part of the shakedown. The San Antonio Express-News has reported that Uresti had an ownership stake in the company and that clients claim Uresti urged them to invest without disclosing he could make money. He says he was a victim like everyone else.
Three Four Winds officials have pleaded guilty. Uresti has not been charged . He was nowhere to be seen at the state legislature today, where he’s served for nearly 20 years.
In a statement Uresti says, "Today, FBI agents are in my office, reviewing our documents as part of their broad investigation of the Four Winds matter. I have instructed my staff to fully cooperate with the federal investigators. I will help them in whatever way I can."
He went on to say, "I am now at the Capitol conducting the people's business, working hard to achieve a good budget for the people of Texas through my continued service on the Senate Finance Committee, and to find solutions for the foster children of Texas, as the Vice-Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. Likewise, I continue to work diligently to solve problems on the Veterans Affairs and Border Security Committees."
“As always, I remain committed to serve my constituents,” he said.
