Texas man conspired with others to launder Zetas cartel cash through U.S. horse market, jury finds

A federal jury in Austin, Texas on Thursday convicted the brother of two alleged leaders of Mexico's Zetas drug cartel of laundering millions of dollars by purchasing, training, breeding and racing horses in the United States. Jose Trevino Morales, 46, of Balch Springs, Texas, could face up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of a money laundering conspiracy charge pursuant to Title 18, US Code, Section 1956(h). In 2008, Trevino's fugitive brothers – Miguel Trevino Morales and Oscar Trevino Morales – began funneling mounds of cash to Jose Trevino and his wife, Zulema Trevino, prosecutors said. Hiding behind straw buyers, the Trevinos and others bought and raced American quarter horses in New Mexico, Oklahoma, California and Texas, court documents state. Quarter horses are a special breed trained to sprint short distances. Members of the conspiracy also made cash deposits into bank accounts held in the names of companies linked to the horse racing industry, keeping