Lawyers discuss role classified documents may play in bribery case against US Rep Cuellar of Texas

HOUSTON (AP) — Prosecutors and defense attorneys on Thursday discussed whether classified documents might play a role in the planned trial of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, who is facing federal bribery and conspiracy charges over accusations he accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a bank in Mexico.

During the hearing in a Houston federal courtroom, prosecutors declined to discuss publicly any information related to what type of classified documents might be part of the case. But Garrett Coyle, a prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice, said authorities didn’t anticipate disclosing any classified material to the defense.

“Congressman Cuellar could have access to classified information,” Coyle said.

Chris Flood, one of Cuellar’s attorneys, said the defense currently does not have access to any classified material and because prosecutors have not yet begun to disclose to the defense what evidence they have in the case, he is not sure if any such material will play a role in his defense.

“I would love a better understanding of how much classified material they anticipate,” Flood said.

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