Ovidio Guzmán López Pleads Not Guilty: On Monday, Ovidio Guzmán López pleaded not guilty to U.S. drug trafficking and money laundering charges in Chicago. He is the son of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán, a former Sinaloa gang boss. His first time in court after being brought from Mexico to the U.S.
Five months ago, U.S. officials charged Guzmán López and his brothers, the “Chapitos.” He went to Mexico on Friday. Indictments state that after their father’s imprisonment, the brothers led the gang to use more synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl.
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In his 15-minute hearing on Monday, López claimed innocence through a translator. Extra guards were present in the courtroom. He wore an orange jumpsuit and matching shoes before Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman. His knees were bound.
The 33-year-old man, called “the Mouse,” answered the judge politely. He showed a different side from the supposed violent drug gang he helped.
Mexican police caught him in January in Culiacan, Sinaloa state’s capital. Fighting erupted, resulting in 30 deaths, including 10 soldiers. Black Hawk gunships fired at cartel trucks with .50-cal machine guns. Two military planes landed after being attacked by gang gunmen. Armed individuals were sent to the airport, shooting at aircraft.
The government tried to catch him three years ago but had to stop.
U.S. indictments against the brothers were made public in April. Their aim was to make and sell fentanyl cheaply. The brothers denied it.
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The letter said, “We didn’t make, sell, or use fentanyl or its derivatives.” We’re mistreated and scapegoated.
On Monday, Coleman asked Guzmán if he used drugs. He mentioned feeling sad anxious, and having a stomach issue, but it didn’t impact his comprehension.
Charges against Guzmán López, such as drug conspiracy, may lead to life imprisonment. If convicted of illegal business, a life sentence is mandatory. You can receive up to 20 years in jail for money laundering.
Guzmán López’s next court date is Nov 17.
A homeland security adviser, Liz Sherwood-Randall, said Guzmán López’s return emphasizes U.S. and Mexican collaboration in fighting drugs and other issues. Sherwood-Randall met with Mexican President López-Obrador several times this year. He last went somewhere in Dec.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is El Chapo’s net worth right now?
El Chapo is believed to have a current net worth of $5 billion. At one point, his net worth skyrocketed to an incredible $12 billion. Before his imprisonment, he raked in an impressive $460 million per year from his diverse business ventures. In addition to his known assets, he reportedly stashed away a whopping $7 billion in cash and held gold reserves valued at $2 billion.
How much is El Chapo son worth?
Ovidio Guzmán, son of El Chapo, is reported to have a net worth of $80 million as of 2024. His yearly income is estimated at $10 million, with a monthly earning of $1 million. Ovidio’s net worth has seen a substantial increase from $30 million in 2020 to $80 million in 2024.
Who is the leader of the Sinaloa cartel in 2023?
Following the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and his son Ovidio Guzmán López in 2016 and 2019, the cartel is now under the leadership of Ismael Zambada García (also known as El Mayo) and Guzmán’s other sons, Jesús Alfredo Guzmán and Ivan Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar.