Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The man accused of shooting and killing his wife's lover on Valentine's Day may be the target of a the Mexican drug cartel, according to his attorney.
According to Greg Leon's attorney, Dick Harpootlian, the Mexican drug cartel gang Los Zetas has a "hit" on his client because the man he's accused of killing, Arturo Bravo Santos, was a member of the cartel.
Harpootlian confirmed that he believes this because of his interactions with the federal drug enforcement agency. During a court hearing, the claims were not challenged by U.S. Attorney Jim May.
Officials say Arturo Bravo Santos, 28, was shot multiple times at the Park and Ride facility located at 105 Corley Mill Road. It took days for the coroner to identify him, and verification of who he was required the assistance of the Mexican Consulant and family members in the area.
Leon was freed on a $100,000 unsecured bond in federal court. He'd already paid another bond in state court for the murder and attempted murder charges he's facing.
Last November, Leon plead guilty to federal charges of knowingly hiring 60 people who were in the United States illegally.
He also plead guilty to a state charge of paying a public official for assistance. Prosecutors said Leon testified that he paid former Lexington County Sheriff James Metts to help his employees avoid being processed at the Lexington County jail.
Leon got probation and a fine, but no jail time, because prosecutors said he was helpful in the prosecution of Metts.
