CHICAGO (WLS) — The courtroom drama unfolds as the trial of a Chicago resident, accused of placing a bounty on the life of Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, got underway Tuesday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
The process of jury selection has commenced, with attorneys from both sides diligently working to assemble the panel.
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The defendant, Juan Espinoza-Martinez, faces serious allegations of orchestrating a plot against Bovino.
This trial coincides with Bovino’s prominent role in “Operation Midway Blitz,” which places him in the limelight.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, a confidential informant provided a Snapchat screenshot displaying Bovino’s image along with details of the bounty.
Prosecutors allege that Espinoza-Martinez proposed a $10,000 reward for Bovino’s murder, while offering $2,000 for any valuable information.
DHS says the letters “LK” were mentioned in the message, which they linked to the Latin Kings gang in Chicago.
Last week, a federal judge ruled prosecutors cannot present evidence claiming that Espinoza-Martinez is a gang member.
So that cannot be brought up during the trial.
DHS officials have been using this case as an example of the threats immigration officials are facing while carrying out operations.
Espinoza-Martinez is charged with soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official.
Attorneys for Espinoza-Martinez have denied that he was ever a gang member or took part in a murder-for-hire-plot.
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