AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas horse trainer who the FBI says could be targeted by a ruthless drug cartel if released from custody is requesting to be released on bond.
Eusevio Maldonado Huitron is charged with conspiring to launder money for the Zetas drug cartel. The 48-year-old was arrested last week as part of a nationwide sweep that included two reputed Zetas leaders.
But his attorney argued Monday in federal court that Maldonado Huitron should be released on bond since the Zetas have no reason to target a simple horse trainer.
Prosecutors allege the Mexican cartel used horse racing to launder drug profits in the U.S.
They argue that Zetas' retaliations against Maldonado Huitron if he's set free could be so severe that it would threaten the entire community.
