SAN ANTONIO – A federal judge in San Antonio on Monday ruled that an attorney representing Sen. Carlos Uresti in his conspiracy and bribery case will need to recuse himself, citing a conflict of interest.
The judge agreed with prosecutors that Uresti's attorney, Mikal Watts, needs to remove himself from the case because Watts' law office handled a wrongful death lawsuit for a woman who won millions in the case and ended up investing money in an alleged Ponzi scheme that Uresti is accused of being involved in.
"I have one of the best, if not the best, attorney in the country. And I hope to be able to keep him," Uresti said after the hearing.
Related: Sen. Carlos Uresti indicted for wire fraud, other crimes
Watts said he plans to appeal the ruling.
"We believe that a case involving the constitutional rights to one's counsel of choice. That in a case that is so close. It's the most exceedingly difficult case you've ever handled. That should weigh in factor of keeping somebody as counsel of choice," Watts said.
Related: Sen. Carlos Uresti turns himself in to FBI
Uresti was indicted by a federal grand jury in May. The senator was charged with wire fraud, securities fraud, engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity, and being an unregistered securities broker.
--------------------------------------------------------
Don't miss a thing. Get email alerts from KSAT12 today.
Get alerted to news events as they happen or sign up for a scheduled news headline email that is delivered right to your inbox. Breaking news, severe weather, daily forecasts, entertainment news, all of the day’s important events to keep you up to date wherever you are.
Sign up today. It's Free.
