CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Two Robstown residents have been taken into custody on charges of conspiracy and falsifying records related to aircraft parts, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Albert Flores, 57, of Corpus Christi, and Samuel Escareno, 54, made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judge B. Janice Ellington today, at which time they were ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for Aug. 30 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Ellington.

A federal grand jury indicted Flores and Escareno, both former supervisors at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, on one count each of conspiracy and falsifying records related to aircraft parts. 

The indictment alleges Flores and Escareno did aid, abet, council, command and induce others to make false entries and certifications on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter main rotor blade dynamic balance data sheets. The defendants allegedly did so in order for  nonconforming rotor blades to appear to meet specifications when they actually did not.

If convicted, Flores and Escareno both face a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 

The Department of Army’s Criminal Investigation Division – Major Procurement Fraud Unit conducted the investigation. The Robstown Police Department assisted in the arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.

An indictment or information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.