An FBI agent says a Texas horse trainer accused of helping a Mexican drug cartel launder money would potentially be in danger from the cartel if released on bail.

Federal prosecutors Friday sought to keep Eusevio Maldonado Huitron in custody. The 48-year-old who trains horses near Austin is charged with conspiracy to launder money and was arrested as part of a nationwide sweep that included two reputed leaders in the Zetas drug gang.

FBI agent Haskell Wilkins testified that Huitron likely would flee “to avoid retaliation’’ from the cartel if released. The hearing is scheduled to continue Monday, and Maldonado will remain in jail until then.

The Zetas have been accused of smuggling thousands of tons of drugs into the United States and dismembering rivals.