NEW : Judge issues ` ` certificate of innocence '' ; Noriega 's lawyer refuses to fight . Though the charges are more serious , if the 69-year-old Noriega is convicted of murder , he would likely serve much of his sentence under home detention in Panama . Judge wants him extradited to serve a money - laundering sentence . Ex - Panamanian businessman is set to get out of federal prison September 9 . Critics have said he should be returned to Panama .
NEW : Judge issues ` ` certificate of innocence '' ; Noriega 's lawyer refuses to fight . Judge wants him extradited to serve a money - laundering sentence . Ex - Panamanian businessman is set to get out of federal prison September 9 . Critics have said he should be returned to Panama .