In brief: Sentencing for drug smuggler Aug. 6
El Paso Times Staff
Article Launched: 07/24/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT


Sentencing for drug smuggler Aug. 6

EL PASO -- The sentencing on drug charges for Osvaldo Alderete Davila, a Mexican citizen who helped send two former El Paso Border Patrol agents to jail, has been set for Aug. 6 in U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone's court, according to court records.

Alderete, who is part of a case that made national headlines, pleaded guilty to possessing about 100 kilograms of marijuana in 2005.

Former agents Jose Alonso Compean and Ignacio Ramos are serving prison terms for shooting Aldrete from behind while he was running back to Mexico during a failed smuggling run near Fabens in February 2005.

Their cases are on appeal.

Diana Washington Valdez

Doña Ana County OKs spaceport tax district

LAS CRUCES -- Doña Ana County commissioners have voted 3-2 in favor of a contract creating a tax district for the state's spaceport.

Commissioners Karen Perez and Oscar Vasquez-Butler opposed the agreement, saying they had doubts it would adequately protect taxpayers' money if the project fell through.

Under the terms, Doña Ana County and Sierra County would each be granted two seats on the district's governing board.

Associated Press

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_9977251