No Death Penalty for ‘El Chapo’s Son

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    Federal prosecutors have decided against pursuing the death penalty for Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of the infamous Mexican drug lord “El Chapo,” should he be found guilty on an array of charges filed in Chicago. This decision was articulated in a succinct notice delivered by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros on Friday, though it lacked any detailed rationale.

    Joaquin Guzman Lopez, represented by attorney Jeffrey Lichtman, expressed satisfaction with the decision, describing it as justified. Guzman Lopez and Lichtman are keen on addressing the various charges levelled against him in court.

    The notorious Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, leader of the Sinaloa cartel, is recognized by federal prosecutors for his role in transporting substantial quantities of cocaine and other narcotics into the U.S. over 25 years. Convicted of multiple conspiracy offenses in 2019, El Chapo is currently serving a life sentence in an American prison.

    Authorities claim that Joaquin Guzman Lopez, alongside his brother Ovidio Guzman Lopez, managed a subsection of the cartel known as the “Chapitos” or little Chapos. This faction has been identified as a significant source of fentanyl exported to the United States. In 2023, sweeping indictments against numerous members of the Sinaloa cartel, including the Guzman brothers, were unveiled by prosecutors.

    Subsequently, federal agents apprehended Joaquin Guzman Lopez along with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, another established figure in the Sinaloa cartel, after they arrived in Texas aboard a private aircraft. Guzman Lopez faces eight charges, comprising money laundering, drug trafficking, and conspiracy to distribute illicit substances, to which he has entered a plea of not guilty.

    Zambada has publicly claimed that Guzman Lopez abducted him and transported him to the United States. Facing multiple charges in a New York federal court, including international drug distribution, money laundering, and manufacturing drugs for illegal importation, Zambada maintains his innocence.

    Ovidio Guzman Lopez, apprehended in Mexico and extradited to the U.S. in 2023, is accused of money laundering, drug, and firearm offenses within a federal court in Chicago. Although he initially pleaded not guilty, court records suggest an upcoming appearance on July 9 where he intends to modify his plea as part of a negotiation with prosecutors.

    Lichtman, who also represents Ovidio Guzman Lopez, refrained from divulging any specific details regarding the plea agreement when contacted.