The sons of convicted drug lord “El Chapo” may be close to reaching a plea deal with the federal government. His sons, Joaquin and Ovidio Guzman Lopez, initially pleaded not guilty to drug charges for their alleged role in leading what authorities called one of the world’s most violent drug cartels.
Federal prosecutors revealed new details Tuesday in their case against Joaquín and Ovidio Guzman Lopez and how they are still working to resolve the case before trial.
“For them to come to an agreement and a cooperative agreement is a big thing,” said retired DEA agent Michael Wilhite.
Wilhite spent many years following the inner workings of the cartel and their father “El Chapo”, who is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted for his role in the criminal enterprise.
“Even though he’s incarcerated, the business, the organization continues to operate; it continues to have multiple layers,” Wilhite said.
The two brothers did not appear in court. Their lawyer spoke to the court by telephone. Both face multiple drug trafficking charges.
They are accused of leading and operating the Sinaloa Cartel, which federal authorities say manufactured and traded fentanyl in the United States.
According to the Department of Justice, the Sinaloa Cartel is one of the most violent and powerful anti-drug organizations in the world. The federal government is trying to hold all associates and leaders of this cartel accountable.
“The message they’re sending is we’re not going to give up, we’re going to do everything we can to bring you to justice,” Wilhite said.
Ovidio was arrested in the summer of 2023. He also faces charges in New York. Federal prosecutors told a Chicago judge they are still trying to reach a plea agreement that would encompass both cases as part of an overall resolution. Both sides are asking the judge for more time while they continue their negotiations.
A criminal defense attorney weighed in on the case.
“Joaquin helped turn over one of the biggest narcotics traffickers in the world, Zambada, and that in itself is invaluable and he should be able to turn that piece of evidence or that favor that he did to the federal government for a large number of favors, which means for example a significant reduction in the sentence,” explained criminal defense lawyer Jorge Montes of Montes and Associates.
Ovidio’s next court hearing is scheduled for the end of February. His brother Joaquin will appear in court in March.
NBC Chicago
