An Austin-based attorney named in a corruption case filed against former Cameron County District Attorney Armando Villalobos is asking for his trial to take place outside of South Texas.
Both Villalobos and Austin-based attorney Eduardo Lucio appeared for arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Morgan on Wednesday morning.
Lucio is not related to the state senator or the state representative with the same name.
Villalobos and Lucio are accused of participating in the "cash for court favors" scandal involving former 404th State District Judge Abel Limas.
A federal grand jury also indicted Villalobos about lying on one of his past income tax returns.
Both Villalobos and Lucio pleaded not guilty to all the charges filed against them.
Judge Morgan allowed them both to remain free on bond.
Court records show that Lucio is asking for a change of venue outside of South Texas due to heavy publicity surrounding the case.
Villalobos is not seeking a change of venue but a hearing for Lucio's request is expected to be held on January 28th.
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