Manuel Barraza’s Brother Facing Legal Troubles Of His Own

What began as a trip to the courthouse to support family ended with a charge that could land an El Paso man in prison for a year.

The brother of convicted state judge Manuel Barraza is accused of threatening a prosecutor.

John William Barraza’s body language made it clear in court. He couldn’t believe he was standing before a judge – in shackles – just one day after his brother was sentenced to five years in prison.

John Barraza is charged with intimidation of a federal employee. He is accused of making some kind of threatening remark to one of the prosecutors handling the sentencing in his brother’s bribery scheme case.

U.S. marshals say it happened the morning of Manuel Barraza’s sentencing, and they say it’s something they don’t take lightly.

During Friday’s hearing, John Barraza’s attorney mentioned Barraza’s kids and the prosecutor’s kids actually go to the same school.

The judge ordered Barraza to stay away from the prosecutor. John’s bond was set at $5,000 and by all accounts it appeared he would be released Friday.

However, Barraza will be back in court May 12th. If convicted on this intimidation charge, which is a misdemeanor, John Barraza faces up to a year in prison and a fine of $100,000.