NEW YORK (AP) — A judge on Monday postponed the New York trial of notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman until November.
FILE – In this Feb. 22, 2014 file photo, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman is escorted to a helicopter in handcuffs by Mexican navy marines at a navy hanger in Mexico City. The notorious Mexican drug lord will have an anonymous jury at his U.S. trial in 2018. In a written order, U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan agreed with prosecutors who argued that withholding the names of jurors was needed to address any fears that they could be harassed or intimidated.(AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)
U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan in Brooklyn said jury selection would begin Nov. 5.
The judge delayed the trial for two months after defense lawyers said late production of potential evidence by prosecutors left them inadequate time to prepare for trial.
The lawyers said prosecutors recently turned over 117,000 sound files and 3,500 pages of witness interviews, with another 10,000 pages yet to be delivered.
Guzman has pleaded not guilty to charges his cartel laundered billions of dollars and oversaw a ruthless campaign of murders and kidnappings. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
His lawyer, A. Eduardo Balarezo, said in a release that Guzman is “highly disappointed” the trial was not delayed five months.
“Given the immense amount of information dumped upon the defense by the government at the last minute, Mr. Guzman thought a five-month continuance was appropriate,” Balarezo said.
“He believes that the prosecution is purposely playing games in an effort to deny him a fair trial and trusts that an impartial jury will see through the smoke and mirrors at trial,” the lawyer added.
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