Judge Rules Lawyer Competent In Laundering Case

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A federal judge has ruled an El Paso lawyer and former Carnegie Mellon University trustee is competent to stand trial on charges he conspired to launder up to $600 million for a Mexican drug cartel.

Marco Antonio Delgado also is accused of diverting millions of dollars from a utility to his own bank account so he could live a lavish lifestyle.

U.S. District Judge David Briones ruled Thursday on Delgado's competency after the lawyer underwent neurological tests following a head injury he suffered while in jail.

The money laundering trial is set for October. His attorney says Delgado is innocent.

The El Paso Times reports (http://bit.ly/11RbSGv ) federal prosecutors say he has until next month to agree to a plea deal. Conviction could get him up to 20 years in prison.

___

Information from: El Paso Times, http://www.elpasotimes.com

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.