Court Hearing Date Set for 36 in Drug Ring Case

Thirty-six people accused of running one of the nation’s largest methamphetamine distribution networks were ordered Monday to return to court Dec. 8 for a motions hearing.

The co-defendants, their lawyers and spectators filled the courtroom of U.S. District Judge J. Lawrence Irving.

It took about an hour for the judge to determine a future court date at which the more than 30 lawyers could be present for hearing discovery and other motions in the case.

Manuel Battaglia, 45, of El Cajon is believed to have headed the ring with his brother, Jack, 48, of San Diego. They are charged under the federal “kingpin” statute of operating continuing criminal enterprises that also involved cocaine and marijuana.

Separate Indictment

Manuel Battaglia is also charged in a separate grand jury indictment with San Diego architect Paul Thoryk of conspiracy to defraud the United States and subscribing to a false tax return.

At Monday’s hearing, Thoryk’s attorney opposed a request to declare his client’s case complex, which would mean the case doesn’t have to be tried within a certain deadline, according to the Speedy Trial Act.

Attorney Jerry Coughlin said Thoryk’s case is “substantially less complicated” than the cases of the other 36 defendants, who are charged with involvement in the manufacture and distribution of the illegal stimulants.

The judge told Coughlin to return Aug. 3 for a determination on whether Thoryk’s case is complex.

Thoryk, a prominent San Diego developer, is accused of laundering some of Manuel Battaglia’s illegal drug profits through several San Diego area restaurants and real estate partnerships.

Manuel Battaglia has been held without bond since his June arrest. He faces 217 years to life in prison and $4.5 million in fines if convicted.

Jack Battaglia was arrested in March in Tijuana by Mexican police while allegedly trying to flee the United States. He faces 255 years to life in prison and $4.25 million in fines if convicted.