Texas horse trainer in Zetas case released on bond

Eusevio Maldonado-Huitron was freed from federal custody Tuesday, said Assistant Federal Public Defender Jose Gonzalez-Falla. He declined to discuss the bond conditions, and the federal court in Austin did not release details.

Maldonado-Huitron ran a horse farm in Bastrop County, southeast of Austin, and was charged with helping the Zetas launder millions through quarter horse operations in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and California.

Federal prosecutors argued against his release, saying the threat of Zetas reprisals against him endangered Maldonado-Huitron, his family and the community at large. However, the judge sided with the defense, which said the Zetas had no reason to target a horse trainer.

Meanwhile, a ninth suspect charged in the alleged scheme was arrested Monday at a border port of entry near El Paso. Raul Ramirez is charged with money laundering and is due to due to appear in court Friday in El Paso, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office in El Paso.