NEW YORK (AP) - A man who wanted the autograph of the Mexican drug lord known as “El Chapo” has been dismissed as a potential juror at a U.S. trial.
The man admitted at jury selection Tuesday that he asked a court officer to help him get the autograph of Joaquin Guzman (wah-KEEN’ gooz-MAHN’). That was enough for the judge to disqualify him.
Another potential juror who had described himself as a Michael Jackson impersonator also was dismissed. Prosecutors had argued his profession made him too recognizable for a jury that’s being kept anonymous as a safety measure.
Guzman has pleaded not guilty to drug conspiracy charges accusing him of overseeing a campaign of violence. Jury selection was to continue on Wednesday with opening statements set for Nov. 13.
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