Trial set for DHS pilot in drowning death case
elpasotimes.com
By JUAN A. LOZANO Associated Press
Posted: 08/29/2011 02:01:38 AM MDT

HOUSTON—A Department of Homeland Security helicopter pilot is preparing to go to trial on charges he lied to investigators over his role in the 2005 drowning of a would-be illegal immigrant in South Texas.

Jury selection was to begin Monday in the case of James Peters, who faces four counts of making false statements to investigators looking into the death of Carlos Delgadillo Martinez.

Prosecutors say Peters lied about a 2005 incident near a bridge in Laredo, Texas, accusing him of flying his helicopter low in an attempt to force Delgadillo and another person back to Mexico. Investigators say the force of the turbulence made Delgadillo lose his grip on an inner tube.

Peters has pleaded not guilty and faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/texas/ci_18779299