In a significant legal proceeding held in Washington, the son of a prominent Mexican cartel leader received a life sentence for his pivotal role in managing one of Mexico’s most notorious drug trafficking networks. Rubén Oseguera, also known as El Menchito, was an instrumental figure in the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) led by his father, Nemesio Oseguera, a fugitive at large.
Standing as the second-in-command for around seven years, Rubén Oseguera was extradited to the United States in February 2020. His sentencing, presided over by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, confirmed the severe consequences of his longstanding criminal activities. He faced a mandatory minimum of 40 years and a possible life sentence, eventually receiving the latter. While the defense pleaded for a reduced sentence, highlighting his early initiation into the cartel at age 14, the judge emphasized the gravity of his actions.
The court was informed of Oseguera’s involvement in ordering the death of at least 100 individuals and personally committing six murders. Additionally, he orchestrated an attack on a Mexican military helicopter in May 2015, which resulted in the loss of nine lives. “This defendant transformed the CJNG into an entity that inflicted terror while saturating the U.S. streets with drugs,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Furthermore, Oseguera was directed to relinquish over $6 billion derived from the cartel’s drug-related activities. He refrained from making a statement during sentencing, instead quickly engaging with his legal counsel before exiting the courtroom. Judge Howell characterized Oseguera as a “drug kingpin,” affirming the serious nature of his offenses.
Earlier this year, a jury found Oseguera guilty on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, including cocaine and methamphetamine, intended for U.S. markets, and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. Prosecutor Jonathan Hornok equated the 35-year-old Oseguera to a “mass murderer” while advocating for two life sentences due to the heinous nature of his crimes.
The court detailed past violent incidents orchestrated by Oseguera, including a brutal slaying of five men who owed money, whom he murdered by slashing their throats, and the shooting of a lackluster driver. The helicopter strike he commanded was during an attempt to evade authorities alongside his father. Efforts to capture his father continue, with a reward of $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
During the trial, evidence was introduced showing Oseguera’s direct involvement in trafficking substances valued at over $12 billion. Government officials described his involvement as a severe affront to drug laws. Though initially accepting a plea deal, Oseguera chose trial proceedings.
Defense attorney Anthony Colombo described Oseguera’s upbringing as tumultuous, marred by violence and corruption, painting him as a byproduct of his environment. Colombo conveyed, “Mr. Oseguera, like many, is both shaped by and a casualty of his surroundings.”
