Flores under investigation for plane trips

2008-11-19 / News

AUSTIN (AP) - A Texas lawmaker is under criminal investigation over air travel he received from a beer distributor.

Rep. Kino Flores' attorney confirmed the investigation Friday but didn't believe the Palmview Democrat violated any laws.

"He is not going to resign," attorney Roy Minton said.

Flores, a key ally of embattled Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick, flew between Austin and the Rio Grande Valley on a plane owned by the LaMantia family, Minton said.

The family owns a Budweiser distributorship in South Texas and is developing a horse racetrack in Hidalgo County. Flores heads the committee that oversees gambling legislation. Minton had few details about the travel but confirmed the Travis County District Attorney's office is investigating.

"I think he reimbursed him a total of $1,500 for two or three trips," Minton said.

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