Judge Denies Request to Move U.S. Trial for ‘El Chapo’

A U.S. judge has denied a request by notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman to move his trial.

Judge Brian Cogan made the ruling on Tuesday at a hearing in Brooklyn.

Guzman’s lawyers said intense security measures used in transporting him from a Manhattan jail for Brooklyn court appearances were creating a public spectacle that hurt his chances for a fair trial. The measures have included closing the Brooklyn Bridge for a police motorcade.

The judge said he wouldn’t publicly explain his reasoning for denying the request to move the case to Manhattan. But he said some of the logistical concerns would be addressed.

Guzman has pleaded not guilty to charges that his cartel laundered billions of dollars and oversaw a ruthless campaign of murders and kidnappings.