Kleberg County received good news Friday when Judge Pete De La Garza received a check from Kleberg Bank for the funds that were stolen electronically from the county’s bank account by an unidentified person in November 2007.

Kleberg County treasurer, Priscilla Alaniz Cantu received a check in the amount of $239,714 on Friday.

The Kleberg Bank reimbursement of funds was an agenda item that was discussed in executive session at a special session meeting held Friday by the Kleberg County Commissioners Court.

The county commissioners voted unanimously to allow the judge to sign the mutual settlement agreement whereby Kleberg Bank would reimburse the county. The commissioners court also conducted the budget workshop.

“Although, there has not been any breach into the bank’s systems, the bank believes that the payment is a prudent business decision,” De La Garza said. “The FBI and the Texas Ranger’s investigations have found no wrongdoing on the part of the bank or the county and the FBI continues to pursue the potential of the funds and criminal prosecution of the perpetrator.”

HERE’S THE CHECK — Kleberg County Judge Pete De La Garza presents a check from Kleberg Bank to Priscilla Alaniz- Cantu, county treasurer, on Friday for $239,900. Roy M. Cantu, Precinct 3 Kleberg County commissioner is also pictured. (Photo by Gloria Bigger Cantu). De La Garza said he wants the public to know that it has taken almost three years to recover this money. He explained that when there are so many lawyers involved in recovery without going to trial usually takes this time or longer.

“I would hope that the recovery of this money quells any speculation there was no wrongdoing by any county employee or elected official as was alluded during the heated political campaigning that may have led the taxpayers to believe otherwise,” De La Garza said.

“For that reason I am happy that the recovery of this money came before my term of office at the end of the year,” De La Garza said.

These funds plus other expected revenue from an oil company will boost the county budget.