Judge dismisses 2 counts against US Rep. Cuellar of Texas, moves bribery trial to next year
On yesterday, a federal judge in Houston, U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal, dismissed two of the 14 counts in the indictment against U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and his wife Imelda Cuellar in a high-profile bribery and conspiracy case. The counts in question involved alleged violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)—specifically, they accused the couple of acting as agents for a foreign principal. This decision followed a February memorandum by Attorney General Pam Bondi narrowing the scope of FARA enforcement to cases involving espionage-like conduct, prompting the prosecution to request the dismissal. AP News
Despite the dismissal, 12 counts remain, encompassing serious charges such as conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering. These charges stem from allegations that the Cuellars accepted bribes funneled through a shell company—belonging to Imelda and their children—in exchange for favorable legislative actions and speeches, including a pro-Azerbaijan address on the House floor. AP News
Judge Rosenthal also granted the involved parties’ joint request to reschedule the trial, which had been set for September 22, moving it to April 6 of next year, with an estimated duration of five weeks. AP News
During the proceedings, Cuellar’s defense requested that the entire indictment be dismissed, arguing that the remaining charges are intertwined with the now-dismissed FARA counts. The prosecution resisted this, stating there was no justification for striking the remaining counts. Judge Rosenthal has not yet ruled on that request. AP News
Representative Cuellar, who has served in Congress for more than two decades representing a district stretching from San Antonio to the U.S.–Mexico border, maintains his innocence. Since the indictment in April 2024, three individuals connected to the case—including a former aide, a consultant, and an affiliate director—have pleaded guilty. AP News
Key Legal Outcomes
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Two FARA-related counts dismissed by prosecutorial request, following narrower enforcement guidance.
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12 counts remain, including conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering.
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Trial postponed from September to April 6, next year, estimated to last five weeks.
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Defense motion to dismiss entire indictment pending; no ruling yet.
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Case context: Multiple co-conspirators have secured plea deals; Cuellar maintains innocence.
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Outlet & Publication Date
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Associated Press (AP News) – Published yesterday (August 15, 2025) AP News
