BROWNSVILLE – A man accused of defrauding a local priest is in custody.

Hector Alberto Salinas was arrested by members of an investigations unit with the Cameron County District Attorney’s office Saturday.

Investigators say Salinas was paid $20,000 in 2017 for a piece of land.

They say the victim attempted to obtain the transfer of property, but Salinas told him he was having trouble finding the property owner.

Salinas later admitted he used the money for other projects.