Opening statements are set to start right now within the trial of a person accused of providing a $10,000 bounty for the lifetime of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino in Chicago final 12 months.
Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, faces one rely of murder-for-hire, in accordance with the Associated Press. He has pleaded not responsible. A jury was chosen yesterday.
Federal prosecutors allege Espinoza Martinez despatched a Snapchat message in October to different gang members that learn, partly: “10k if u take him down,” together with an image of Bovino. The suspect allegedly supplied $2,000 for details about the commander.
A prison grievance cites an nameless supply who accused Espinoza Martinez of being a “ranking member of the Latin Kings.”
But his household and attorneys say he’s not in a gang. The father of three labored as a carpenter, in accordance with the AP.
Born in Mexico, Espinoza Martinez has lived within the US for greater than 30 years. He doesn’t have legal permission to remain within the United States.
If convicted, Espinoza Martinez faces as much as 10 years in jail.
Federal brokers’ techniques have been scrutinized after operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, and presently within the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Arrests by armed and masked agents have led to protests and intense standoffs in every area.