AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The brother of two leaders of one of the most powerful drug cartels in Mexico has been found guilty of buying racehorses to hide illegal drug profits.
A federal jury on Thursday found Jose Trevino Morales guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors believe Trevino's older brothers run the Zetas drug cartel, considered the biggest criminal organization in Mexico.
Prosecutors said the 46-year-old Trevino ran a multimillion-dollar horse racing and breeding operation in Oklahoma on his brothers' behalf, burning through $16 million in horse-related expenses in 30 months.
Four other people are charged with money laundering in the case. Trevino could face up to 20 years in prison.
Trevino's wife and daughter have pleaded guilty to lesser charges. His brothers remain at large.
