Harold Shapiro, who represents alleged killer Juan "Two Face" Rivera-Velez, said that was the year Morales began cooperating with authorities, bringing down his own criminal empire and spinning lies to save himself.

After six weeks of testimony, attorneys today started closing arguments in U.S. District Court in Camden, where Rivera-Velez, 35, is on trial on drug and murder conspiracy charges.

Prosecutors say Rivera-Velez, who is physically impaired and whose face is severely disfigured from a car accident, was hired by Morales as a hitman to protect his drug corner - and eventually a multi-million dollar drug organization - from 1992 to 2004.

It was among the largest cocaine organizations in the city's history, authorities said. In all, 24 people, including Morales, were indicted on charges related to the drug ring, and 23 have been convicted.

By cooperating, Morales escaped the death penalty. He could get life in prison, but he is hoping for a lesser sentence after joining what Shapiro called "Team Federal."

Morales testified against three others last year and admitted his part in six murders; he took the stand last month against Rivera-Velez. Morales said Rivera-Velez received a weekly salary to protect him and kill those who betrayed the organization. Rivera-Velez is accused of killing a rival drug dealer and attempting to kill a witness to cover up the murder.

Shapiro told the jury the government's case makes no sense. Morales, he said, was smart enough to build his empire and elude authorities. Why, he questioned, would Morales hire Rivera-Velez, with his "unforgettable" face?

In fact, Shapiro pointed out, Morales said he didn't use Rivera-Velez for another murder because he thought he would be too recognizable.

"There you have it," Shapiro said. "Straight from the reptile's mouth, Ray Morales."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Wiener today methodically went through the evidence presented during the past six weeks and told the jury that some discrepancy among witnesses was expected, especially as they recalled events more than a decade old. He said that numerous witnesses told similar stories, which made their testimony more believable.

Wiener acknowledged Morales' long criminal history and his willingness to kill to protect his drug organization.

"We are not asking you to like Ray Morales," Wiener told the jury, his voice rising as he concluded, "This is not a popularity contest. This is a federal murder trial."

Closing arguments are scheduled to resume today.