HOUSTON—The local attorney for the Texas-born alleged Mexican drug kingpin known as "La Barbie" said Sunday he wants his client to be tried in the United States.
"I think he would be treated more fairly in the United States," says Kent Schaffer. "I think there’s a greater chance that he would survive in the United States."
Schaffer said his client, Edgar Valdez Villareal, is now facing drug trafficking, arms possession and kidnapping charges in Mexico.
Villareal also faces a laundry list of drug charges in the United States.
"Right now there are three indictments pending," explained Schaffer. "One in Atlanta, one in Laredo, one in New Orleans."
The federal government said they want to try him in the U.S. first.
Villareal, who authorities believe is one of the most ruthless drug dealers in Mexico, is currently sitting in a maximum security prison.
"Interestingly, they picked the most violent of prisons to put him in, even after we met with them for several hours detailing our concerns," said Schaffer.
Schaffer hoped to have his client moved to another facility before his extradition and said the Mexican government initially agreed.
But they had a change of heart.
"Based on our experience, with the Mexican government you can’t necessarily believe what you’re told," said Schaffer.
If the extradition goes as planned, La Barbie could be back on American soil in as little as six weeks and be put on trial in six months.
The U.S. Government said Villareal would face trial in Atlanta, Georgia first.
