Son of ‘El Chapo’ Ovidio Guzmán pursues deal with U.S. authorities

  • Ovidio Guzmán seeks agreement.
  • Charges faced by El Chapo’s son.
  • Will he be able to get out of prison?

Ovidio Guzmán López, the son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, may be on the verge of striking a deal with U.S. authorities.

The agreement could allow him to reduce his sentence in exchange for a guilty plea and cooperation in providing information.

This development has sparked speculation about his legal future, particularly following his extradition in September 2023.

During a hearing on January 7, 2025, in the U.S. Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois, prosecutor Andrew Connor Erskine requested additional time to continue negotiations with Jeffrey Litchman, Ovidio’s defense attorney.

Is Ovidio Guzmán hoping to get his sentence reduced?

Ovidio Guzmán seeks agreement, Narco, Mexico, USA, News
Ovidio Guzmán seeks agreement with the U.S. Photo: MundoNOW Archive via Agencia Reforma

The aim is to reach a comprehensive agreement that encompasses the charges filed against Guzmán in two U.S. federal courts.

Jeffrey Litchman, Guzmán’s defense attorney, confirmed that his client faces accusations not only in Illinois but also in the Southern District of New York, where other significant cases, such as the one involving Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, are being processed.

A potential global agreement would cover all pending charges in both jurisdictions.

In Illinois, Guzmán faces five charges related to drug trafficking and organized crime, including possession of drugs with intent to distribute, conspiracy to manufacture, import, and distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder money, participation in a continuing criminal enterprise, and possession of firearms.

In New York, the charges include conspiracy to import and traffic fentan

Additional Charges and Legal Proceedings for Ovidio Guzmán López

In addition to the previous charges, Guzmán is also accused of possession and conspiracy to possess weapons and destructive devices, as well as conspiracy to launder money.

Both the Illinois and New York courts are pursuing charges against Guzmán as part of broader investigations into the Sinaloa Cartel, where he is considered one of the leading figures, alongside his brothers and “El Mayo” Zambada.

Since October 29, 2024, Ovidio Guzmán has not been in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), prompting speculation that he may be held in a safe house or a state-run facility managed outside the Department of Justice.

Ovidio Guzmán’s next hearing is set for February 27, 2025, in Illinois, where the outcome of ongoing negotiations is expected to be clarified.

If Guzmán agrees to plead guilty, he could receive a reduced sentence along with certain benefits, such as improved prison conditions.

Journalist Luis Chaparro reports that the terms of a potential agreement may involve Guzmán and his brothers becoming cooperating or protected witnesses. This could include providing information on cartel operations and testifying against key figures, such as “El Mayo” Zambada and Dámaso López Serrano, known as “El Mini Lic.”

Negotiations for Ovidio Guzmán López’s Sentence and Cooperation with U.S. Authorities

Journalist Óscar Balderas highlighted that the ongoing negotiations also involve key factors such as the type of prison where Guzmán would serve his sentence, with a focus on facilities offering access to recreational areas, personal visits, and greater comfort.

Such an agreement could set a precedent in cases involving the Sinaloa Cartel.

Beyond reducing his sentence, Guzmán could provide crucial information to dismantle criminal operations and challenge other drug trafficking leaders.

However, agreeing to cooperate with U.S. authorities could present risks, as Guzmán’s testimony might create conflicts with other cartel members.

Despite the progress in negotiations, Ovidio Guzmán’s legal future remains uncertain. His decision to cooperate could alter his fate, but it could also reveal sensitive details of Sinaloa Cartel operations.

For now, negotiations are expected to continue in the coming months, with the possibility of a resolution before his next hearing.