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- Two Women Thrown From Boat When It Hits I-75 Bridge
- Judge Imposes Stay On Lethal Injections
- Poll: More Coastal Residents Would Not Evacuate For Hurricane
- Robbers In Ninja Garb Strike Hampton Inn
- Deputy Is Accused Of Domestic Battery
- 2 Men Burst Into Home, Steal More Than $7,000
- Temple Terrace Man Wounded In Shooting
- Polk Deputies Charge 17 Men After Weekend Cockfight
- Baby Dropped Off At Fire Station
- Jury Awards $21.1 Million In Wrongful Birth Case
- Deputies Investigate Bank Robbery
- Grandpa Robbed; Grandson Charged
- Composite Sketch Of Armed Carjacker Released
- Progress Village Homicide Victim ID’d
TAMPA - The trial of an accused, international drug kingpin has been rescheduled to start next month.
Joaquin Mario Valencia-Trujillo is alleged to have been a top leader of Colombia’s notorious Cali Cartel. Authorities say his capture was the most important arrest for the investigators of “Operation Panama Express,” a decade-long, international drug investigation run from Tampa.
Valencia had been scheduled to go on trial earlier this month, but U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich reluctantly granted a postponement sought by the defense. In granting the delay, the judge expressed displeasure with federal investigators for being slow in turning over trial materials.
Kovachevich Wednesday reset the trial for jury selection on July 5 and opening statements on July 10. The trial is expected to last six months.
-Elaine Silvestrini
Once again the ole USA drags some guy from his country up here to stand charges.I fail to see the justice in bringing someone here away from his homeland. This country spent millions of dollars to kill Escobar. With our federal agents posing with his body like a large game kill. If this man deserves to be tried then let it be in his homeland. And when it comes right down to it. If he is the man that brought a product to a willing population then who is reall at fault?
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Posted by Rob Owens, St. Petersburg, FL on 06/08 at 07:12 AM
"Brought a product to a willing population”.. Yes, I see those “willing” to buy his product, strolling up and down the streets about 5 blocks from an elementry school when I drive to work. Those same “willing” buyers who committ crimes against others to finance their habit. If these “willing” people just hurt themselves and ONLY themselves, then I would tend to agree with you Ray.