Five alleged cartel associates licensed by Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission

[Billybob]

"Racetrack officials say horse owners are subjected to “vigorous” background checks before being issued a license. It appears Jose Trevino Morales, whose brother is head of the infamous Los Zetas cartel in Mexico, slipped through the cracks. He wasn’t the only one, either."

http://newsok.com/state-racing-agency-licensed-alleged-drug-cartel-associates/article/3684273

 

[vvvvvvv]

What's the problem?

And why does it matter that a relative has a certain history?

 

[Billybob]

What's the problem?

And why does it matter that a relative has a certain history?

A possible problem with the background check system like in some other state
agencies?
Other than that we'll have to see how the rest turns out, indictments came out and raids were conducted yesterday.

Feds: Horse racing operation tied to drug cartel

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06/D9VC8VR00.htm

 

[vvvvvvv]

A possible problem with the background check system like in some other state
agencies?

What in the article says that he had a criminal record?

 

[Billybob]

What in the article says that he had a criminal record?

Licenses can be and have been denied for less than having a criminal record, if they are "known associates" of the Zetas then I guess it depends on ones opinion of "undesirables".

The Commission is charged by clear statutory mandate to design, create and maintain a racing program which is free of even a suggestion of corruption or dishonesty. Title 3A O.S.Supp. 1984 § 203.7 , provides:

3. dissipate any cloud of association with the undesirable and maintain the appearance as well as the fact of complete honesty and integrity of horse racing in this state; and

http://law.justia.com/cases/oklahoma/supreme-court/1986/9975.html

 

[JB Books]

So, now we are judging everyone by their relatives?

 

[Billybob]

So, now we are judging everyone by their relatives?

The Feds contend all five are linked to the cartel, maybe it's not just about being a relative.

 

[ignerntbend]

Looks like the Feds think they're using the horse business as a money laundering operation. Kind of like carrying water in a bucket with a hole in it.

 

[Billybob]

Looks like the Feds think they're using the horse business as a money laundering operation. Kind of like carrying water in a bucket with a hole in it.

I'd heard the way to make a small fortune in horses was to start with a large fortune.

 

[ignerntbend]

Exactly. Doesn't mean the suspicions aren't true. We'll have to wait and see.