
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 2, 1990                   TAG: 9005020188
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: JACKSONVILLE, FLA.                                LENGTH: Short

DRUG KINGPIN URGES NORIEGA TO PLEAD GUILTY

Convicted Colombian drug kingpin Carlos Lehder Rivas has written Manuel Noriega urging the deposed Panamanian leader to plead guilty to drug charges, but pledging not to testify against him.

"Your lawyers are telling you stories to get your money. You would be wise to talk to your old friends and formalize a declaration of guilt, showing dignity and a sense of reality," the letter said.

Lehder, 40, who prosecutors said worked with Colombia's Medellin drug cartel, was convicted of smuggling cocaine and is serving a life term plus 135 years at Marion Federal Prison in Illinois.

Noriega, 51, who faces drug charges which include accepting $4.6 million in bribes from the cartel, might never see the letter. Without authorization, one federal prisoner may not write to another.

- Associated Press

by CNB