"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
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Shortly before 1:00PM local time, Ovidio Guzmán López was transferred from the Metropolitan Correctional Center to the Northern District Court of Illinois to attend the first appearance of his criminal trial in USA v. Guzman-Loera et al, 09 CR 383.
After a 14-minute hearing, the son of “El Chapo” Guzmán pleaded “not guilty” to the 5 criminal charges against him, including drug trafficking and money laundering. The guidelines for the media and public for this hearing, and possibly the remainder of his trial, were published. Recording, streaming, broadcasting, or photographing is prohibited inside the courtroom.
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US Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman, who also presided over the extradition request hearings earlier this year, read out the crimes that the Northern District of Illinois has charged him with. Possession of drugs with the intention of distributing them; participation in an ongoing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to import, manufacture, and distribute controlled substances; conspiracy to launder money and possession of firearms.
Ovidio Guzmán declared himself “not guilty” on each charge. “El Ratón” was presented before the judge with shackles on his ankles and the usual orange prisoner outfit. He nervously answered only a few questions from the judge with the help of an interpreter.
He stated that he suffers from anxiety and depression and that he has recently undergone stomach surgery, which is why he is undergoing medical treatment.
Ovidio Guzmán's next hearing is on November 17, 2023, in the same court. According to statements by his lawyer, he will not face any of the six charges that were brought against him in New York at the moment until the case that is currently against him in Illinois concludes.
His lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman assured that Ovidio does not plan to cooperate with the authorities and go against his brothers. “He has no plans to cooperate against his brothers […] we are going to review the case and decide what we are going to do,” Lichtman told Reuters following the arraignment.
In 2009, Matthew Nolan, brother of filmmaker Christopher Nolan, also tried unsuccessfully to escape from the prison through a window when he was detained pending an extradition request to Costa Rica for an alleged murder.
Guzmán Loera ended up being sentenced to life imprisonment plus 30 years in prison in July 2019. Many of the implications of government corruption in Mexico, accused by Lichtman were reinforced, though not directly to any Mexican President, during the trial and guilty verdict of Genaro Garcia Luna this year.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador indicated that Mexico extradited Ovidio "El Ratón" Guzmán because he did not seek protection and the request of the United States was fulfilled not to give any excuse during election times in the US.
The president also highlighted that “it is important that no reason be given to those who use the issue of drug trafficking for political purposes in the United States. There are two topics that are used a lot when elections come in the United States: drug trafficking and migration.”
He stated that politicians from both parties in the United States use these issues to also blame Mexico, recently regarding fentanyl trafficking. "It is part of the political strategy, with which they seek to deceive American citizens, which no longer works for them."
“The same with the immigration issue is always blaming Mexico but they have not found out. I am going to send you a notice, you can no longer use the telegraph or fax, I am taking advantage of this medium to tell you that things have already changed, we must warn you that the reality is now different and that you cannot be doing advertising, propaganda, politicking to affect Mexico,” he said.
Given this approach, he said that it is important "not to give any pretext so that there is no excuse when these requests are presented, they are applied and that is what was done in this case."
Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall said in a statement Friday that the extradition of Guzmán López “is a testament to the significance of the ongoing cooperation between the American and Mexican governments on countering narcotics and other vital challenges.” Sherwood-Randall made multiple visits to Mexico this year to meet with President Andrés Manuel López-Obrador, most recently last month.
Ovidio Guzmán declared himself “not guilty” on each charge. “El Ratón” was presented before the judge with shackles on his ankles and the usual orange prisoner outfit. He nervously answered only a few questions from the judge with the help of an interpreter.
He stated that he suffers from anxiety and depression and that he has recently undergone stomach surgery, which is why he is undergoing medical treatment.
Ovidio Guzmán's next hearing is on November 17, 2023, in the same court. According to statements by his lawyer, he will not face any of the six charges that were brought against him in New York at the moment until the case that is currently against him in Illinois concludes.
His lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman assured that Ovidio does not plan to cooperate with the authorities and go against his brothers. “He has no plans to cooperate against his brothers […] we are going to review the case and decide what we are going to do,” Lichtman told Reuters following the arraignment.
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Jailed at MCC Chicago
Ovidio Guzmán must remain in the Chicago Metropolitan Security Correctional Center, where he was registered following his extradition with BOP prisoner number 72884-748. This correctional center was opened in 1975 and has less than 500 prisoners, both men and women. |
| An open-air rooftop exercise yard allows the inmates outside and exercise time in the downtown Chicago skyline. |
Vicente Zambada Niebla, son of the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, also passed through this facility after his extradition to the United States in 2010. During his stay at the MCC in Chicago, “Vicentillo” was prohibited from using the rooftop patio where prisoners exercise for fear that he would escape via helicopter.
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| A 2012 attempted escape at MCC Chicago. |
In 2009, Matthew Nolan, brother of filmmaker Christopher Nolan, also tried unsuccessfully to escape from the prison through a window when he was detained pending an extradition request to Costa Rica for an alleged murder.
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Guzman Family Lawyer
At his hearing today in Chicago his criminal defense lawyer is Jeffrey Lichtman, who was also one of the lawyers of his father Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, in addition to his stepmother Emma Coronel who was recently paroled.
Lichtman was one of the lawyers who defended Guzmán Loera during the so-called “trial of the century”, he is the lawyer who claimed that "El Chapo" Guzmán was not really the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS) but Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada is.
Guzmán Loera ended up being sentenced to life imprisonment plus 30 years in prison in July 2019. Many of the implications of government corruption in Mexico, accused by Lichtman were reinforced, though not directly to any Mexican President, during the trial and guilty verdict of Genaro Garcia Luna this year.
AMLO's Response to Extradition
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador indicated that Mexico extradited Ovidio "El Ratón" Guzmán because he did not seek protection and the request of the United States was fulfilled not to give any excuse during election times in the US.
The president also highlighted that “it is important that no reason be given to those who use the issue of drug trafficking for political purposes in the United States. There are two topics that are used a lot when elections come in the United States: drug trafficking and migration.”
He stated that politicians from both parties in the United States use these issues to also blame Mexico, recently regarding fentanyl trafficking. "It is part of the political strategy, with which they seek to deceive American citizens, which no longer works for them."
“The same with the immigration issue is always blaming Mexico but they have not found out. I am going to send you a notice, you can no longer use the telegraph or fax, I am taking advantage of this medium to tell you that things have already changed, we must warn you that the reality is now different and that you cannot be doing advertising, propaganda, politicking to affect Mexico,” he said.
Given this approach, he said that it is important "not to give any pretext so that there is no excuse when these requests are presented, they are applied and that is what was done in this case."
Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall said in a statement Friday that the extradition of Guzmán López “is a testament to the significance of the ongoing cooperation between the American and Mexican governments on countering narcotics and other vital challenges.” Sherwood-Randall made multiple visits to Mexico this year to meet with President Andrés Manuel López-Obrador, most recently last month.
I work 2 blocks away. I should go pay el raton a visit, by the way they have a good restaurant called La Cocina right across the street from the jail, corner of Clark/Van Buren., highly recommended
ReplyDeleteAre you the same guy, that lives 2 blocks from ALMOs palace?
DeleteInterdasting
DeleteProbably what he eats each night for dinner...
DeleteIf both the Mexican and American authorities want to strike more significant blows to the Sinaloa Cartel, then they need to increase the pressure by going directly after Ismael Zambada García and the other three Chapitos.
ReplyDelete@5:34 that’s a big negative. Taking out big dawgs leads to smaller groups. So instead of one cartel now you have 3-4 mini cartels that don’t always have access to product, or a border. Having no product or border to charge a crossing fee leads to kidnapping and other scum bag crimes to make money. In the 90’s you had AFO, CDG, CDS, and Juarez. Take Juarez once the strongest in Mexico now it’s broken up into 2-3 smaller groups that one person can’t control. The best play on the war on drugs was to have 3-4 organizations max that could control the flow. The war on drugs was lost the day Nixon declared, but now it can’t even be controlled unless you invade Mexico. Even with an invasion the best we could get is a reduction inflow.
DeleteIt is widely believed and I think with good reason that Mayo is a contract agent with the CIA. They more than likely use him for information on other groups and whatever other purposes he might serve. I don't see him ever going down unless he ceases to be helpful to them.
DeleteThey don’t want significant blows. They want balance.
Delete@2:54 Well said!
Delete254 in other words war on drugs is futile and a sham
DeleteThis is not a verdict, just a single hearing, and there a lot of those hearings, bet he will snitch a lot of people, you can see his weak ass, you can tell a snitcher just by looking at them. He plead not guilty cause he is a coward, he considers him self a law abiding citizen lol.
ReplyDeleteThis is a not guilty till we can come to an agreement based on what info i can give up!
DeleteIn the 90’s outside rec was on the roof there was a cage top on top of roof
ReplyDeleteWhen Hoover got indicted he was on the 21st floor and he had a bunch of women go to that parking garage and strip and fuck multiple times
I remember reading back in the day that Vicente Zambada was denied the roof access...
Delete@534. Look I don’t like cartels. I believe Mexican people are beautiful and have a lot of wonderful history. In breaks my heart looking here in nyc on the train these ladies sellling candy while they have their little girls with them. I’m like WTF?
ReplyDeleteBut…………..I ho early think that if they process of taking out old bosses continues. The cartel is going to break up into 100 smaller ones and more violence is going to be happening in Mexico. I don’t want to see shit in Mexico get worse. And bro I’m Dominican.
Rubio NYC
There are already dozens of organizations and factions. The US is not in any position to "break up" any cartel and Mexico has demonstrated they don't have the judicial system (putting aside the obvious corruption, they have no RICO type statute) or the will to do it. Not happening.
Delete@6:29, What do you mean the U.S. is not in any position to break up any cartel?
DeleteAll those greedy clowns from their own groups when the top guy is busted.
DeleteCds killed 2 unarmed women. Pussies.
ReplyDeleteHow do u figure this was there a work order sent from cds corporate office this comments are the ones needig moderated not the ones questioning the moderator.
DeleteIvan you're next mijo...⌛
ReplyDelete🇺🇸
Asta mijo le dicen al vato lol. Los chapitos are living in American Gov head rent free huh. Same as mencho , Mayo , and other big dudes.
DeleteIts almost funny that he is being tried in Chicago.....they don't even prosecute murders.
ReplyDeleteYeah, dude murders aren't prosecuted. They just let those guys walk every if they have the evidence. Fuck outta here...
DeleteIs that you Jesse Watters or Maria Bartiromo?
DeleteObviously not his first but that was a mistake. A big mistake. They will throw the book at his ass if he tries to fight it. The apple doesnt fall far from the tree. Just like his dad he has no idea of how the usa justice system works. You dont have to snitch but a plea deal shld at least have him back in mexico in 25 years instead of going back in a box like his father will. Do you think that some greedy ass american lawyers will give him bad advice to squeeze some of that guzman family money?
ReplyDeleteAMLO is not soft at using propaganda himself, these statements right here are for Mexican consumption and are divisive which is always handy to deflect real issues.
ReplyDeleteA Mexican president talking about migrants? Mexico is hardly in a position to talk about migrants and its own policies regarding that issue?
If ovidio’s lawyer say he won’t cooperate I give him more respect then others because he’s taking it to the chin.
ReplyDeleteI say hang him
ReplyDelete6:54 that's how it should be, take responsibility & get the best plea deal available
ReplyDeleteNot a fan but obviously there is only two outcomes to this . Either the USA throws the book to him and makes him an example of what's going to happen if you traffic fent or he will cut a deal out and be out in a few years walking freely in tbe USA like mayito Gordo
ReplyDeleteDuh!! It's it's either you win or you lose ! No in between!! Common sense
Delete10:26 it's either be a real mf for life in prison or snitch and get out after a few years simple as that
DeleteAre they even going after el Mayo anymore??
ReplyDeleteCan you even receive a fair trial with the media already basically stating ur guilty beforehand? I really think it should be on solid evidence and not just hearsay and circumstantial evidence.
ReplyDeleteThe federal government does not being weak cases. Look at their conviction rate.
DeleteDudes gotta be really feeling the pressure now. Locked up in a US jail wondering if he'll ever see the free world again
ReplyDeleteYea he must be regretting culicanzo so much it brought a ton of heat
DeleteWell, he is innocent until proven guilty and should be released on bail immediately like Trump. Look at him looking like Fredo. He dont know nothing. The Feds got pure ratas, liers lined up for him in court.
ReplyDeleteIs this the same prison Vicente was in ?
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteMeanwhile Mayito Gordo going to sea world and Disneyland. Opening up multiple restaurants & peso exchange houses in San ysidro. I guess it pays to traffic and cut deals lol
ReplyDeleteDefinitely came out a winner. Next best thing to just retiring but no one in the game knows when to hang it up
Deletewell he is the don's son and not the most respected or competent, he basically got shown the door nicely
Deletebut, he also did about 10 inside, and he cooperated, I am guessing with his father's permission, after the info was all old, that's why the extradtion was held up for 6 years
Unless he’s Mayo’s son, they’ll throw the book him. May is the only one cutting deals, period.
ReplyDeleteI remember after the first Culiacanazo. That foo was at a local event in Culiacancito area where various famous groups played for the “town” and that foo was there for like a day n half with his ratoncitos. Higher than a mf. Smoking weed and powdering the nose. That foo was a straight drug addict tbh. No more peleas de gallos wey.
ReplyDeletelol the crazy thing is he could have just partied his whole life probably and not trafficked anything and just lived
DeleteYou saw him blowing coke? or what if it was fetty?
DeleteHe won’t give up his bros… but will he give up any MZ ppl?
ReplyDeleteMacaulay Culkin looking ass lol
ReplyDelete😂
DeleteHoly shit! I can't get my M30's anymore! Ever since little chupito has been captured and extradited to the United States I haven't been able to get anything! I officially declare the war on drugs completely won by the United States. Congratulations ammo and Biden you did it no more drugs running the streets now that you have El chapo's son I knew that would happen so what now we get to live the rest of our lives clean right get the fuck out of here. What a fucking joke!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Delete3:20 i agree, why carch the big capos if the drugs are still gonna get here? Shit why catch any serial killer if there are still gonna be a lot of other serial killers? why catch any chomos, if theres tones of chomo out running around? Why catch gang members if there is a lot more gang members who are gonna take their place? Shit why catch any criminal if there is always willing to take their place in the criminal world? Shit we should just stop catching criminals cause there are always gonna be criminals around! I like the way you think 👍 😂😂😂😂 pinche pendejete de mierda
DeleteWhat would happen after all of one certain drug stopped coming in is all of the mid to high level suppliers in the US who still have bulk would increase the fuck out of it's price....
DeleteWhen you start seeing your favorite little drug just shoot up dramatically in price, you know that its soon to be gone.
Dude doesn’t have to snitch, but pleading guilty gives some opportunity to negotiate sentence. Only little over 2% fed charges proceed to trial and only 16% who proceed found not guilty.
Delete