SAN ANTONIO – Heavy security inside and on the perimeter of the federal courthouse was visible Tuesday as jury selection began in the trial of Marciano Millan Vasquez.
Vasquez is named in a 10-count indictment alleging his involvement in illegal drug conspiracy and distribution activities. It also alleges that he was a leader of the Zetas drug cartel who shot, dismembered and burned bodies as part of the drug conspiracy in northern Mexico.
“Due to those particular charges, quite naturally we’re going to have more personnel here,” said U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Chris Bozeman.
That increased security was clearly visible as uniformed officers and K-9 patrols walked around the courthouse perimeter.
“We cannot provide specific numbers, we can only let you know that we do have more personnel here to make sure that the daily functions of this courthouse will be running smoothly along with this trial,” Bozeman said.
He said that the increased security was not based on any threats.