Mexico orders that former state attorney general face trial on unusual treason charge

MEXICO CITY -- A federal judge in Mexico ruled Sunday that a former state attorney general will face trial after being accused of treason.

Former Chihuahua prosecutor César Jáuregui was accused of illegally launching a joint operation with the CIA to dismantle a drug lab in northern Mexico without telling the federal government. The operation drew attention after two CIA agents and two state officials died in a car accident on their way back.

Defense attorney Luis Villegas confirmed that Jáuregui was ordered to face trial.

Jáuregui was arrested on Oct. 17 and accused of illegal exercise of public office; a judge recently ruled he would go to trial on those charges. Federal officials later added the treason charge.