Former Laredo cemetery clerk arrested after $500,000 found missing

Internal audit uncovered hundreds of thousands unaccounted for at city cemetery

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A former City of Laredo employee was arrested after an internal audit found about $500,000 unaccounted for at the city cemetery. Diana Alicia Gomez, a 61-year-old former cemetery clerk, turned herself in to police and was charged with misapplication of fiduciary property, a first-degree felony.

Why it matters

The alleged misappropriation of public funds from the city cemetery raises concerns about financial oversight and accountability in local government. This case highlights the importance of regular audits and internal controls to prevent fraud and misuse of taxpayer money.

The details

According to the Laredo Police Department, the internal audit conducted in May 2024 found around $500,000 unaccounted for at the city cemetery. Further investigation identified the suspect as Diana Alicia Gomez, a former cemetery clerk. The findings were presented to the Webb County District Attorney's Office, which approved an arrest warrant for Gomez.

  • The internal audit was conducted in May 2024.
  • Gomez turned herself in to police on January 29, 2026.

The players

Diana Alicia Gomez

A 61-year-old former cemetery clerk for the City of Laredo.

Webb County District Attorney's Office

The office that approved the arrest warrant for Gomez.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Gomez's bail at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of regular audits and internal controls to prevent fraud and misuse of taxpayer money in local government. It underscores the need for strong financial oversight and accountability measures to ensure public funds are properly managed.