KRWG News – LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRWG) A federal judge is to hear an appeal Thursday from the police chief of a New Mexico border town who is one of a dozen people accused of being part of a gun smuggling ring that prosecutors allege bought weapons to send to Mexico.
The suspended Columbus police chief, 40-year-old Angelo Vega, has appealed an order to hold him pending trial.
The U.S. Attorney's Office opposes his release, and filed a response Wednesday to his appeal.
Federal prosecutors say Vega was ordered detained March 15 as a flight risk and a danger to the community.
The response details the conspiracy charge against Vega.
Village trustees voted last week to suspend Vega without pay.
The mayor of Columbus and a village trustee also face charges in the same case.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. KRWG