The Latest: Honduran leader's brother to appeal drug verdict

NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the conviction in a drug case of the brother of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández: (all times local):

2:05 p.m.

A lawyer for the brother of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández says his client will appeal his conviction in a massive drug conspiracy case in New York City.

Defense attorney Omar Malone says a disappointed Juan Antonio "Tony" Hernández maintains his innocence after Friday's conviction.

The former Honduran congressman was stoic as the verdict was returned after less than two days of deliberations in Manhattan federal court.

The Honduran president said in a tweet that he received word of the verdict "with great sadness." He also says he rejects any version of trial evidence that seeks to stain the name of Honduras or its government and institutions.

U.S. prosecutors say the drug conspiracy was protected by the Central American country's government.

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12:53 p.m.

The brother of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has been convicted in a massive drug conspiracy case in New York City.

Juan Antonio "Tony" Hernández is a former Honduran congressman. He was convicted Friday of drug conspiracy, weapons charges and of lying to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The trial featured testimony that convicted Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman aided the conspiracy.

U.S. prosecutors say the drug conspiracy was protected by the Central American country's government.

Defense lawyer Michael Tein had argued that prosecutors had insufficient evidence and that their witnesses were "liars, losers and murderers."

The Honduran president was not charged in the case but was labeled a co-conspirator.

The president tweeted during the trial that the prosecution's allegations were "100% false, absurd and ridiculous."