Probationer in judge bribery case pleads guilty

BROWNSVILLE, TX Prosecutors say 30-year-old Armando Pena of Corpus Christi went to Arkansas without permission and paid $1,500 to former state District Judge Abel Limas, who exempted him from reporting in person to a probation officer.

In March, Limas pleaded guilty to racketeering and awaits sentencing. Authorities say Limas accepted thousands of dollars to appoint attorneys and grant favorable rulings.

Pena, who was on probation for aggravated robbery, faced a charge of aiding and abetting honest services wire fraud. His wife, Karina Pena, pleaded guilty to the same charge last week.

After pleading guilty Tuesday, Pena faces up to 20 years in prison.