El Chapo’s Son in Plea Negotiations with Prosecutors, Lawyer Says
Ovidio Guzman Lopez, one of the sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Loera, has entered into plea negotiations with federal prosecutors on charges that he was a key player in running his father’s deadly cartel through brutal violence.
Ovidio Guzman Lopez in Court
Ovidio Guzman Lopez, wearing an orange jumpsuit with chains around his ankles, appeared Monday morning before U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman.
Plea Negotiations Underway
During the brief hearing, prosecutors informed Coleman they had begun discussing a possible resolution with Lopez’s counsel, and requested a later court date to allow for those negotiations to continue.
Lawyer’s Statement
“It may end up with a plea, it may not,” Guzman Lopez’s attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, said following the hearing. “We’ll probably know more by the next court appearance.”
Background on Ovidio Guzman Lopez
Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested one year ago and extradited to the United States, where he entered a plea of not guilty to the five counts against him, including two that carry a sentence of up to life in prison.
Brother’s Arrest
Ovidio’s brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, was arrested over the summer along with Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia. Rumors circulated that Joaquin Guzman Lopez had struck a deal with federal authorities prior to his arrest.
Lawyer Denies Deal Allegations
But Lichtman, who represents both brothers, said, “We’ve got no agreement with the government.”
Charges Against the Guzman Brothers
Ovidio and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, along with their brothers Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar — known as “Los Chapitos” — are charged in a massive drug conspiracy, alleging they took over their father’s empire after his arrest. Two other brothers remain at large.
Next Court Date
Both brothers’ next court date is January 7.
Conclusion
The Guzman brothers, along with their father, have been accused of being key players in the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking organizations in the world. If found guilty, they could face life in prison.
FAQs
Q: What is the Sinaloa Cartel?
A: The Sinaloa Cartel is a notorious drug trafficking organization based in Mexico.
Q: What is the charge against Ovidio Guzman Lopez?
A: Ovidio Guzman Lopez is charged with five counts, including two that carry a sentence of up to life in prison.
Q: Is there a possibility of a plea deal for Ovidio Guzman Lopez?
A: Yes, Ovidio Guzman Lopez has entered into plea negotiations with federal prosecutors.
Q: What is the next court date for the Guzman brothers?
A: January 7.
