Former OLS sheriff: Zapata County needs answers, not silence

In July, search warrants were executed at the residences of Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell, and his wife, Gina Rathmell; of Sheriff Ramon Montes, and his wife, Sonia Sanchez; of the sheriff’s secretary, Norma Garcia, and her husband, Corando Barrera; of Laura Garza who worked on Montes’ and Rathmell’s campaigns; and of Justice of the Peace Olga Bruni. Phone and bank records were seized as part of the investigation, according to recently unsealed affidavits exclusively obtained by The Center Square. 

The investigation was launched after former Zapata County Sheriff Raymundo Del Bosque lost his March 2024 Democratic primary race, alleging his opponent and others committed voter fraud. He sued and lost his civil case and the OAG launched its investigation last September. 

Del Bosque, a Democrat and lifelong resident of Zapata County, was first elected sheriff in 2020. In less than two years, he became a key member of an Operation Lone Star Task Force involved in border security interdiction efforts. Joining Brooks County Sheriff Benny Martinez, Del Bosque was one of the only Democrats in the Rio Grande Valley to partner in targeted OLS operations to thwart cartel traffickers and smugglers, The Center Square exclusively reported.

Del Bosque also secured unprecedented funding through OLS grants to purchase new vehicles, upgrade facilities, modernize the jail, purchase body worn cameras, body vests, weapons and ammunition, and improve communication technology. The state legislature also increased the salaries of deputies’ and jailers, The Center Square reported. 

Now, Del Bosque is calling on the legislature to launch an independent investigation and enact additional election integrity reforms. While he’s grateful for the OAG investigation, he said “Zapata County deserves answers, not silence.

“I have spent my life believing in the badge, the Constitution, the rule of law, and the responsibility we have to protect the people we serve,” Del Bosque told The Center Square in an exclusive interview. “That is why I cannot remain silent when sworn affidavits and investigative documents raise serious questions about the integrity of our elections and the conduct of elected officials.”

The affidavits allege fraud in two elections in Zapata County, including the March 2026 Democratic primary race for county judge. 

“When multiple affidavits appear to raise allegations involving vote harvesting, bribery, abuse of official capacity, compensated voter assistance, political coordination, and the possible misuse of public authority, the people deserve to know that those allegations are being taken seriously and independently investigated,” Del Bosque said. 

To state lawmakers, he said: “Please don’t ignore Zapata County. Zapata County needs an independent examination of these allegations.”

State House and Senate leaders have issued interim charges for select committees, including election fraud issues. Bipartisan legislative general investigating committees have previously been formed to hold hearings on specific fraud related issues.  

A pattern of voter fraud exists in border and adjacent counties, including in Duval, Jim Hogg and Starr counties, Hidalgo County, Atascosa, Bexar and Frio counties, previously addressed by the legislature and OAG, The Center Square reported.  

One previously enacted reform requires SOS audits of county election processes. A recent SOS audit of Val Verde County identified numerous issues, including voter registrar staff not being able to “articulate any processes to validate the county voter registration list for accuracy,” voter records not being updated, among others creating an opportunity for fraud. 

“Don’t dismiss these concerns because we’re a small county on the border,” Del Bosque continued. “Don’t let ordinary citizens believe that justice only comes when you have money, influence, or the right last name.

“Zapata County is made up of hardworking people who deserve better. They deserve elected officials who understand that public office is a public trust. They deserve elections where every legal vote is protected.”

Democrat Martha Moralas also asked the AG to investigate alleged assisted voter fraud and voter harvesting fraud in her March 2026 Democratic primary election. Morales wasn’t able to present evidence because the case was dismissed due to a statutory deadline. 

She and Del Bosque are also calling on the DOJ to investigate.

“I fought for something that should belong to every American: an honest election and a fair day in court,” Morales told The Center Square in an exclusive interview. “I am not asking Republicans to take my word for it. I am asking President Donald Trump and the DOJ to investigate the evidence. If these allegations are unfounded, let an independent investigation establish that. If they are substantiated, then those responsible must be held accountable.”

“I am a Democrat asking a Republican president for help because I refuse to believe that justice has a party. My vote is not supposed to be bought, harvested, manipulated, or silenced, and neither is my right to have the truth heard in court,” she said.

“My heart breaks for a community that feels unheard and forgotten,” Del Bosque said. “But I still believe in America. I still believe in Texas. I still believe in the badge. And I still believe that when good people stand together and demand the truth, eventually the truth has nowhere left to hide.”

“Zapata County needs help. Please don’t ignore Zapata County.”