Plea Bargain for Drug Kingpin Falls Through
A plea bargain for a Honduran drug kingpin--already convicted in the kidnaping of slain U.S. drug agent Enrique Camarena--failed to materialize Tuesday.
Juan Ramon Matta Ballesteros, 45, who already has been sentenced to life imprisonment in one drug case and is awaiting sentencing on kidnaping and conspiracy charges in the Camarena case, faces a third trial this week in Los Angeles on federal charges that he directed the import of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into the United States between 1983 and 1985.
After a closed-door meeting between federal prosectors, defense attorneys and U.S. District Judge William J. Rea, a plea agreement fell through.
“We’re going to trial,” said defense attorney Martin R. Stolar. “Mr. Matta maintains his innocence.”
Justice Department lawyers declined to comment.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
