Two sons of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, a notorious cartel leader in Mexico, are currently in plea negotiations with the U.S. government regarding extensive drug-trafficking charges. Joaquin Guzmán López, 38, and Ovidio Guzmán López, 34, have both entered into plea discussions with federal prosecutors.
Initially pleading not guilty, the brothers were absent from a recent court hearing where Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Erskine mentioned the ongoing negotiations and the possibility of a global resolution.
Both brothers have been associated with leading a faction of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel known as the 'Chapitos,' which has been identified as a major exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. In 2023, federal prosecutors unveiled indictments against numerous cartel members, including the Guzmán López brothers, in connection with a fentanyl-trafficking investigation.
Joaquin Guzmán López was apprehended in a high-profile arrest in Texas in July, alongside Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, another prominent figure in the Sinaloa cartel. Allegations suggest that Zambada and Joaquin Guzmán López were involved in trafficking large quantities of drugs into the U.S., accompanied by acts of violence.
Zambada is scheduled to appear in court in New York soon, while Ovidio Guzmán López is expected in court on February 27. Joaquin Guzmán López's next court appearance is set for March 19.
