Opinion ID: 544294
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mr. Valencia's version of the facts

Text: 14 Mr. Valencia testified at trial that Mr. Martinez was a friend who was visiting at his home in Wheeling. Tr. at 277. Mr. Valencia also claimed that the house in Wheeling had been occupied by his cousin before he moved in, and that the hole in the garage floor and the hydraulic jack already were there when he moved in. Tr. at 254, 257, 293. Regarding the negotiations with the agent, Mr. Valencia claimed that the discussions were related to an entirely different subject. Mr. Valencia testified that the entire series of negotiations involved an effort to obtain the release of his friend, Diego Munoz, who allegedly was being held hostage in Columbia. He claimed that the money recovered from his residence had been given to him by a person named Pecos, who was supplying the money for the release of Munoz. Mr. Valencia claimed that he was instructed to meet Rodrigo at the Hinsville Holiday Inn, and that the entirety of his further discussions and negotiations with Rodrigo and the agent related to negotiating the release of Munoz from captivity. Tr. at 259-76.