Five current and former city officials from Refugio, Texas, including the mayor, have been arrested for their involvement in a fraud case involving the misuse of city funds.
Arrests of Officials: On August 13, 2026, five officials from Refugio were charged with fraud after a grand jury indictment indicated mismanagement of over $1 million in funds.
Key Charged Individuals:
Wanda Dukes: Current Mayor, charged with misapplication of fiduciary property, a first-degree felony. She allegedly misused funds from the Refugio Economic Development Corporation between October 2023 and 2025.
Callie Shreckengost: City Secretary, also charged with misapplication of fiduciary property.
Ixtlazihuatl Vasquez: Current City Council member, and two former council members, Frank Hosey and Michael Rocha, face third-degree felony charges for abuse of official capacity.
Misapplication of Funds: The indictment details 19 transactions that included spending on payments for audit services, garbage collection, windstorm insurance, and town festivals which contributed to the financial misconduct.
Bail and Corrections: Both Dukes and Shreckengost turned themselves in to authorities and have been released on a $25,000 bond each.
The authorities' investigation into these fraudulent actions highlights significant fiscal mismanagement among city officials in Refugio. The case raises concerns about accountability in local government, as officials are charged with serious felonies affecting public trust in governance.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/08/five-texas-city-officials-arrested-fraud/
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