Judicial Bribery Trial Moved To Corpus Christi

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — A federal judge in South Texas has moved the trial of the last defendant in a judicial bribery scandal from Brownsville to Corpus Christi.

Jury selection begins Aug. 6 for attorney Eduardo "Eddie" Lucio, who sought the change of venue. Prosecutors have charged Lucio with racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering and three counts of extortion.

Lucio is a former law partner of ex-Cameron County District Attorney Armando R. Villalobos. Villalobos in May was convicted of seven counts of racketeering, bribery and extortion. He awaits sentencing and faces up to 20 years in prison per count.

Prosecutors have linked the scheme to disgraced former state District Judge Abel Lima, who pleaded guilty to racketeering and awaits sentencing.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen on Friday granted the change of venue for Lucio.