Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Judge Rules Statements Admissible in Venezuelan Drug Case
Source: Associated Press
Judge Rules Statements Admissible in Venezuelan Drug Case
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — Oct 12, 2016, 7:12 PM ET
A judge says statements made by two nephews of Venezuela's first lady when they were flown to the U.S. to face trial on drug charges can be used at trial.
U.S. District Judge Paul Crotty ruled Wednesday on statements made by Efrain Campo and Francisco Flores.
Arrested in Haiti last year, the men have pleaded not guilty to importing more than 1,700 pounds of cocaine into the U.S. They are nephews of Venezuelan first lady Cilia Flores.
The defendants argued they were terrorized after their arrests and feared they were being kidnapped and might be killed. But the judge said the evidence does not support a conclusion that the men were mentally intimidated, coerced or deceived.
He said nothing indicated U.S. agents sought to take advantage of the defendants.
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — Oct 12, 2016, 7:12 PM ET
A judge says statements made by two nephews of Venezuela's first lady when they were flown to the U.S. to face trial on drug charges can be used at trial.
U.S. District Judge Paul Crotty ruled Wednesday on statements made by Efrain Campo and Francisco Flores.
Arrested in Haiti last year, the men have pleaded not guilty to importing more than 1,700 pounds of cocaine into the U.S. They are nephews of Venezuelan first lady Cilia Flores.
The defendants argued they were terrorized after their arrests and feared they were being kidnapped and might be killed. But the judge said the evidence does not support a conclusion that the men were mentally intimidated, coerced or deceived.
He said nothing indicated U.S. agents sought to take advantage of the defendants.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-rules-statements-admissible-venezuelan-drug-case-42764486