Horse Trainer Gets 15 Years in Scheme

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A horse buyer and trainer from Mexico has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a drug cartel's money-laundering scheme in Texas.

Prosecutors in Austin say 28-year-old Carlos Nayen Borbolla was sentenced Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and drug counts.

Investigators say Nayen acted as an intermediary between leaders of the violent Zetas cartel. He traveled to Texas to help buy and train race horses in support of cartel-related activities.

Prosecutors have said the money laundering operation included a horse ranch in Oklahoma. More than 400 horses were seized and auctioned in the operation that created fake companies and sometimes fixed races.

Nearly 20 people have been convicted in the case.