NEW YORK _ A Brooklyn federal judge on Tuesday approved prosecutors' request for an anonymous and partially sequestered jury for the upcoming trial of accused Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera.
U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan said the history of violence of the Sinaloa cartel allegedly controlled by Guzman and high media profile of the case required anonymity to protect jurors from fear and improper influence.
"The indictment alleges that the defendant, as a leader of the Sinaloa cartel, employed 'sicarios,' or hit men, who carried out acts of violence, including murders, assaults and kidnappings," Cogan wrote.
He also cited reports that a California prison gang has volunteered to support Guzman while he is in the United States.
Cogan said jurors' identities will be kept secret from both the press and defense during jury selection and trial, and jurors will be taken to and from the courthouse by federal marshals.
Defense lawyers argued that anonymity will limit their ability to effectively question prospective jurors during voir dire, and prejudice selected jurors by making them think Guzman is dangerous.
Cogan said to avoid a perception of dangerousness, he would mislead the panel by saying anonymity is designed to protect their privacy.
Guzman was extradited to New York last year after twice escaping prisons in Mexico. He is charged with cocaine trafficking.
The trial is set to start in September.
