Former County Judge Back In Federal Court

Former El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos found himself back in a federal courthouse Friday morning.

Cobos, accused in a massive public corruption case that reaches as far back as May of 2007 when federal officials served a search warrant on his office, was ordered to be present for a Friday morning docket hearing in U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo?s courtroom.

Cobos was indicted, along with businessman Lorenzo Aguilar, late last year on two charges of mail fraud and deprivation of honest services and one count of mail fraud. Cobos was late dispersing some information about his assets to the court in December, which forced the court to not offer him a signature bond as Aguilar received, causing him to remain in jail at the time.

Montalvo explained in court Friday morning that he typically asks defendants in complex court cases to be present so they understand the importance of what is happening in future hearings. He said on Friday morning that he ordered Cobos to be present so that he understood the meanings of deadlines and the importance of them.

?Deadlines have meanings, and they can hear that straight from the horse?s mouth,? said Montalvos during the hearing.

The judge continued to explain that he is deeming the case ?complex,? and that he expects a trial date to be set in a timely manner. He continued to explain that he considered a timely manner within a 12-month timeframe.

Richard Esper, the attorney representing Cobos, explained to Montalvo that he has a busy schedule, and that he may not be able to schedule a trial that soon. However, when he mentioned he would likely be ready for trial in 13 months the judge intimated if that was the case he could likely grant a trial date around that time.

Cobos was questioned on his way from the courthouse whether the looming trial date changed his thoughts on the trial. He declined to comment, and continued to walk to his car while holding his wife?s hand.