McALLEN, Texas (AP) - A convicted member of a Mexican drug cartel has reached a deal to keep his fight over two pieces of jewelry from going to a Texas jury.

Carlos Landin Martinez was sentenced to life in prison last month on drug trafficking charges.

But in a separate case, prosecutors sought the forfeiture of a thick gold chain and gem-studded pendant Landin was wearing when he was arrested in McAllen last year.

Landin was caught in a grocery store when a federal drug agent recognized him.

Terms of the deal with prosecutors haven't been disclosed.

The jewelry was appraised at $12,400, and prosecutors alleged it was purchased with Landin's ill-gotten gains.

Landin also awaits trial in another drug trafficking case, in which he has pleaded not guilty on five counts.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-05-09-08 1413EDT