San Diego

A federal judge denied a prominent San Diego architect’s request Thursday to dismiss an indictment accusing him of laundering money for an admitted drug dealer.

U.S. District Judge J. Lawrence Irving ordered Paul Thomas Thoryk, 47, of El Cajon, to return to court Sept. 27 to determine when his trial on income tax and conspiracy charges will begin.

Defense attorney Raymond Coughlan argued that the indictment against Thoryk, also a successful land developer, should be dismissed because it was based on wiretap evidence improperly presented to grand jurors.

Under questioning from Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Weiner, however, IRS Agent Carl Oroz testified much of the evidence against Thoryk was compiled before wiretapping was authorized.

Prosecutors contend Thoryk used his business ventures to launder the illicit drug profits of two East County brothers, Manuel and Jack Battaglia, whom authorities say operated a multimillion-dollar methamphetamine ring since at least 1981.

Manuel Battaglia, 46, of El Cajon, pleaded guilty earlier this week to conspiracy and participating in a continuing criminal enterprise.

No drug charges were brought against Thoryk, a partner in the $15-million redevelopment of Belmont Park, who allegedly paid consultant fees to Manuel Battaglia for work that was never done.

Thoryk is charged with conspiring to defraud the U.S. government and making a false statement on his 1983 federal income tax return, both of which are related to $43,700 in allegedly improper deductions Thoryk claimed that year for the consultant fees he paid Battaglia.