Son of ‘El Chapo’ to plead guilty in US drug trafficking case
Share and Follow


CHICAGO (AP) — The son of notorious Mexican drug kingpin “El Chapo” intends to plead guilty to drug trafficking charges in the U.S., according to court documents filed Tuesday.

Prosecutors allege Ovidio Guzman Lopez, along with his brother, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, ran a faction of the cartel known as the “Chapitos,” or little Chapos, that exported fentanyl to the United States.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez’s father is Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel who smuggled mountains of cocaine and other drugs into the United States over 25 years.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested in Mexico in 2023 and extradited to the United States. He was charged in federal court in Chicago with money laundering, drug and firearm offenses.

He previously pleaded not guilty, but online court records indicate he is scheduled to appear in court on July 9 to change his plea as part of a deal with prosecutors. Court documents filed Tuesday indicate he intends to plead guilty after word of a possible deal was disclosed during an October hearing.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez would be the first of the brothers to enter a plea deal.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez is also in U.S. custody. He and another longtime Sinaloa leader, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, were arrested in July in Texas after they landed in the U.S. on a private plane. Joaquin Guzman Lopez has pleaded not guilty to charges including money laundering, drug dealing and conspiracy to distribute drugs. Zambada also pleaded not guilty.

The men’s dramatic capture prompted a surge in violence in Mexico’s northern state of Sinaloa as two factions of the Sinaloa cartel clashed.

Federal prosecutors and Ovidio Guzman Lopez’s attorney, listed in online court records as Jeffrey Lichtman, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Victoria and David Beckham let their hair down in style

Victoria and David Beckham Enjoy a Glamorous Night Out: A Peek into Their Stylish Evening

On Tuesday night, Sir David Beckham marked his knighthood with a lavish…
UPS plane crashes near Kentucky airport, leaving multiple injured

Shocking UPS Plane Crash Near Kentucky Airport Leaves Multiple Injured: What We Know So Far

A tragic incident unfolded at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday…
Mamdani wins: Here are 5 reasons why

Discover the Top 5 Reasons Behind Mamdani’s Victory

NEW YORK (The Hill) In a stunning turn of events, Zohran Mamdani…
18-year-old involved in police chases in two cities arrested in Eufaula

Teen’s High-Speed Escapades Across Two Cities End in Dramatic Eufaula Arrest

EUFAULA, Ala. (WRBL) — An 18-year-old is in custody after a series…
Sydney Sweeney keeps her cool ahead of new film Q&A after fan outrage

Sydney Sweeney Stays Composed Amid Fan Backlash Ahead of Anticipated Film Q&A

Sydney Sweeney exuded an air of cool confidence as she made her…
Inside Kate and William's new Forest Lodge home

Discover the Royal Charm: A Sneak Peek Inside Kate and William’s Enchanting Forest Lodge

As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton,…
Trump issues response after Zohran Mamdani elected NYC mayor

Trump Reacts: Zohran Mamdani’s Historic Win as NYC Mayor Stirs Political Waves

New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has expressed a readiness…
Ex-DOJ worker accused of hurling sandwich that ‘exploded’ on federal officer claims it was protest, not crime

Ex-DOJ Employee Defends Sandwich Toss at Federal Officer as Protest, Not Assault

A Washington, D.C., resident on trial for allegedly throwing a sandwich at…