A federal judge in Brooklyn on Tuesday ruled Mexican drug lord El Chapo isn't allowed to have "contact visits" with his legal team because he's too much of a security risk, per a report in the New York Daily News.
"The government's proposed modifications grant (the) defendant a constitutionally adequate means of preparing for trial without interfering with the safe operation of the MCC (Metropolitan Correctional Center)," U.S. District judge Brian Cogan wrote.
Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who headed the Sinaloa Cartel, escaped twice from Mexican prisons. He is being held under maximum security in the MCC awaiting an April trial on drug trafficking, murder and kidnapping charges. His next court date is Nov. 8.
Guzman, 60, will have to communicate with his lawyers from another cubicle, using video messaging and separated through a Plexiglass window.
The MCC will also add a paper slot and a computer monitor for Guzman to communicate.
"The Court is satisfied that, with these improvements in place, the defendant would be able to work effectively with his counsel," Cogan said.
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