Death Penalty DROPPED for El Chapo’s Son

Fentanyl vial labeled as opioid analgesic

Biden’s Justice Department has decided El Chapo’s son deserves mercy despite being accused of flooding America with deadly fentanyl that has killed countless Americans under the administration’s watch.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal prosecutors have filed a notice in Chicago that they will not seek the death penalty against Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of notorious drug lord “El Chapo” Guzman.
  • Guzman Lopez faces eight charges including money laundering and drug conspiracy related to his leadership role in the Sinaloa Cartel’s fentanyl operations targeting the United States.
  • The 38-year-old was arrested in July alongside cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada at a New Mexico airfield after arriving on a private plane.
  • His brother Ovidio Guzman is expected to plead guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago on July 9 as part of an apparent deal with prosecutors.
  • The decision not to pursue capital punishment comes despite the Sinaloa Cartel being directly linked to the fentanyl crisis that continues to kill thousands of Americans.

Justice Department Spares Cartel Leader From Death Penalty

In a brief one-sentence notice filed on May 23, federal prosecutors in Chicago declared they would not seek the death penalty for Joaquin Guzman Lopez if he is convicted on serious drug trafficking charges. The terse filing simply stated, “if the defendant is convicted, the government will not seek a sentence of death.” The Justice Department provided no explanation for their decision to spare the son of infamous Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman from capital punishment, despite allegations that his organization is responsible for trafficking massive quantities of deadly fentanyl into the United States.

The 38-year-old Guzman Lopez was indicted in 2023 along with his brothers, collectively known as the “Chapitos,” on extensive drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Prosecutors allege he and his brother Ovidio ran this faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, which has been identified as a major exporter of fentanyl to the United States. The charges came as part of a broader investigation that saw indictments unsealed against dozens of cartel members involved in the trafficking operation. Guzman Lopez has pleaded not guilty to all eight charges against him.

Defense Attorney Celebrates Decision

Jeffrey Lichtman, the attorney representing Guzman Lopez, expressed satisfaction with the prosecutors’ decision. “We’re obviously pleased with the result and hope to resolve Joaquin’s charges if possible,” Lichtman told reporters. The defense attorney’s comments suggest potential negotiations may be underway, similar to those apparently occurring with Guzman Lopez’s brother. Lichtman, who previously represented “El Chapo” himself during his 2019 trial that resulted in a life sentence, has significant experience defending members of the notorious crime family.

“Joaquin and I are looking forward to resolving the charges against him,” said Jeffrey Lichtman, Joaquin Guzman Lopez’s attorney.

Lichtman also described the Justice Department’s decision as “the correct one,” though he provided no further details about potential plea negotiations or what might have influenced prosecutors to take the death penalty off the table. The decision not to pursue capital punishment could be part of a broader strategy to secure cooperation or guilty pleas from key cartel figures. Lichtman also represents Ovidio Guzman Lopez, another of El Chapo’s sons, who is expected to change his plea as part of a deal.

A High-Profile Arrest with Mysterious Circumstances

Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested in July 2024 in circumstances that remain somewhat murky. He arrived on a private plane at a New Mexico airfield alongside Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, another high-ranking Sinaloa Cartel leader. While initial reports suggested a coordinated operation, Zambada has since claimed he was kidnapped by Guzman Lopez and brought to the United States against his will. Both men were taken into custody by American authorities upon landing and now face serious federal charges.

“as it’s the correct one,” said Joaquin Guzman Lopez’s attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, regarding the decision not to pursue the death penalty.

The FBI alleges that the “Chapitos” faction oversaw the trafficking of enormous quantities of drugs into the United States and related violence to protect their criminal enterprise. Another brother, Ovidio Guzman, was arrested in Mexico in 2023 and extradited to the United States, where he now faces charges in Chicago. Court records indicate he is expected to plead guilty on July 9, suggesting he may have reached a cooperation agreement with authorities. Zambada has also pleaded not guilty but reports indicate he may change his plea if similarly spared from the death penalty.

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