A federal judge in El Paso sentenced an El Paso businessman to a
year and a half in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud
the city out of thousands of dollars.  Albert G. Torres, 52, who
owns G.O.T. Supply, Inc., pleaded guilty in May to one count of
conspiracy to commit wire fraud and deprivation of honest
services. In his plea, Torres admitted to paying bribes and
kickbacks to Lorenzo Avalos, a city fleet maintenance chief,
between January 2006 and October 2008. Torres also admitted to
selling automotive parts to the City of El Paso at higher than
agreed to prices.  Avalos no longer works for the city.  During
Torres' sentencing hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge
Kathleen Cardone ordered Torres to pay a $1,500 fine and
$223,840 in restitution to the city. Torres will also serve
three years of probation following his release from prison.
Cardone allowed Torres to remain free on bond until his
surrender date in April.  Avalos pleaded guilty to the same
charge and was sentenced in August to about th