Zuno Leaves Jail, Returns to Mexico

Ruben Zuno Arce, a prominent Mexican businessman charged with perjury in the investigation into the murder of federal drug Agent Enrique Camarena, was released from jail in Los Angeles on Wednesday and returned to Mexico.

Zuno, 59, the brother-in-law of former Mexican President Luis Echevveria, posted bail after two more people offered property to secure his $200,000 bond.

Zuno was released to the custody of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which put him on a plane to Mexico.

U.S. District Judge Robert M. Takasugi on Tuesday ruled that two houses belonging to acquaintances of Zuno’s could be used as collateral. The equity of two other houses were approved earlier as security for his bail, Assistant U.S. Atty. Adam Schiff said.

Federal prosecutors argued against bail for Zuno, who was indicted last month for lying to a federal grand jury when he said he did not know two alleged drug kingpins charged with masterminding Camarena’s killing.

“I think it’s very unlikely he’ll show for trial,” Schiff said Tuesday. Zuno’s trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 7.

Zuno was arrested by INS officials in San Antonio, Tex., on Aug. 9 and brought here as a material witness in the 1985 Camarena killing. Shortly before the agent’s death, Zuno reportedly owned the Guadalajara house where federal prosecutors believe Camarena was tortured before his murder.