Home All 50 US States US engages in plea negotiations with Mexican drug lord Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada.

US engages in plea negotiations with Mexican drug lord Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada.

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US engages in plea negotiations with Mexican drug lord Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada.

NEW YORK — On Wednesday, U.S. prosecutors revealed they are in discussions regarding a possible plea agreement with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the notorious Mexican drug kingpin who was captured last summer. These talks could become more complex as Zambada’s son may be called to testify against him should the case proceed to trial.

Assistant U.S. attorney Francisco Navarro communicated that, although the discussions with Zambada have not yet reached a conclusion, the prosecution intends to continue negotiations. A hearing has been scheduled for April 22, allowing the court to receive an update on the ongoing discussions.

Zambada’s principal attorney, Frank Perez, chose not to comment on the negotiations. It is typical for both defense and prosecution teams to explore the possibility of a deal, even if such discussions may not lead anywhere tangible.

During the court hearing, Zambada was actively engaged, addressing the issue of whether he wished to retain Perez as his legal counsel, especially given that Perez also represents a potential witness against him: Zambada’s son, Vicente Zambada. Zambada expressed his preference for Perez, despite the possibility of a conflict of interest. “I don’t want a different attorney,” Zambada stated via a court interpreter. “I want him, even though this could be a conflict if he represents me and my son.”

Vicente Zambada has already faced charges and reached a plea deal in the extensive U.S. prosecutions targeting figures of the Sinaloa cartel. He previously testified against Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the cartel’s infamous co-founder who is now incarcerated.

While Guzmán took the spotlight, Ismael Zambada maintained a more subdued profile, focusing on the logistical aspects of drug trafficking rather than on violent tactics. Authorities characterize him as a strategist and dealmaker engaged in the daily operation of the cartel. During the trial of Guzmán, Vicente Zambada recounted their collaborative management of the cartel and shared how corrupt politicians were inquiring whether they could facilitate the transport of 100 tons of cocaine using an oil tanker.

Prosecutors indicated last month that Vicente Zambada could be summoned to testify against his father, leading to potential legal conflicts for Perez. There are concerns about how Perez would manage cross-examinations, given his dual representation of both father and son.

Conflicts of interest can arise for defense attorneys, and federal courts have procedures in place to handle such dilemmas. It’s standard for judges to ensure defendants receive guidance from independent counsel when evaluating possible conflicts. Zambada had access to such advice during the hearing.

Zambada acknowledged the complexities of having Perez represent both himself and his son, understanding that this arrangement could lead to situations where Perez would need to withhold information acquired from Vicente from Zambada himself. Ultimately, U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan permitted Perez to remain on the case, citing that Zambada also has additional attorneys available to address any matters related to his son.

Authorities pursued Zambada for many years before his unexpected arrest in July, which occurred at an airport near El Paso, Texas. He had flown in on a private plane with Joaquín Guzmán López, one of Guzmán’s sons, who is also sought by U.S. officials. Following his arrest, Zambada claimed he was kidnapped in Mexico before being brought to the U.S. by Guzmán López, a claim that the latter’s attorney disputes.

Both Joaquín Guzmán López and his brother Ovidio are currently engaged in plea negotiations with the U.S. government, as stated by their attorneys in a recent courtroom appearance in Chicago. Following their arrests, violent conflicts erupted in Mexico between factions loyal to Zambada and those aligned with the “Chapitos,” Guzmán’s sons, further straining relations between the U.S. and Mexico.

At that time, both the then-President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and current President Claudia Sheinbaum assigned some responsibility for the ensuing violence to the U.S., suggesting that the arrests incited further conflict. The outgoing U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, countered this narrative, labeling any assertion of U.S. fault as “incomprehensible,” while also criticizing the Mexican government for a perceived lack of cooperation in combating cartel violence and corruption.

In response, Mexico’s foreign ministry conveyed its surprise through a formal communication to the U.S. embassy regarding the ambassador’s remarks.