CHICAGO — Intense scenes played out in a federal courtroom in Chicago as a significant plea arrangement was disclosed involving a key figure of the infamous Sinaloa cartel. Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of the sons of the notorious drug lord “El Chapo,” admitted guilt to two major charges against him.
Guzman Lopez confessed to being involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy and managing a continuous criminal enterprise, specifically operating the formidable Sinaloa cartel. During the proceedings, he also acknowledged orchestrating a remarkable kidnapping scheme and vowed to assist the government in exchange for a reduced sentence.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Shackled at the ankles and surrounded by federal marshals, Guzman Lopez admitted to orchestrating the importation and distribution of vast quantities of illegal narcotics, while managing the Sinaloa cartel alongside his brother and others.
When queried by the judge about his occupation over the past five years, Guzman Lopez candidly responded, “drug trafficker,” eliciting chuckles from those present in the courtroom, including the judge, who seemed taken aback by his straightforwardness.
While sentencing guidelines suggest life imprisonment for his crimes, Guzman’s guilty plea and willingness to cooperate may lead to a more lenient outcome. His attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, expressed optimism, stating, “My expectation is the government will make a motion for reduction of sentencing guidelines.”
Lichtman anticipates a sentence less severe than life imprisonment. In agreement, the government indicated that Guzman Lopez might serve as little as 10 years in federal custody. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the judge.
“She takes all the recommendations, she listens, and she makes up her own decision because that’s why she’s the judge and why none of us are the judge because she’s not partisan,” said Lichtman.
“I think we’ve got to send a bigger message, and I would hope we’d be able to do that,” said Jack Riley, retired head of the Chicago DEA.
Riley told the I-Team a possible 10 years in prison for Guzman Lopez isn’t enough.
“In any criminal organization that’s operating in foreign countries, communication is crucial. How do they communicate with their surrogates in Chicago and around the U.S.? And the minute that he was arrested, those systems went dark and were regenerated with information that we don’t know about,” said Riley. “I’m not saying he’s not going to give us something. If he fully cooperates, but it’s going to be historical.”
Also detailed in the plea agreement, the audacious kidnapping of Individual A, reportedly Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. In the plea agreement, it was stipulated that Guzman Lopez lured him to a meeting, removing a floor to ceiling window before armed men working for Guzman Lopez entered through the window and abducted the man, placing handcuffs on him and a bag over his head, before driving him to an air strip to a small plane.
The government went on the record to say that abduction was not at their request and Guzman Lopez agreed he would get no credit for cooperation for it.
When Guzman Lopez was questioned by the judge, he said he is taking medication for a thyroid issue, high blood pressure, and anxiety. His next status hearing is in June.
