Court Documents Show "Menchito" Allegedly Bragged About Ordering Over 100 Murders

"Socalj" & "Char" for Borderland Beat

"El Mencho's" son, "Menchito," Ruben Oseguera-Gonzalez, is facing federal trial in Washington, DC. This comes several months after he reversed his decision to take a plea deal and changed attorneys.

His lawyers filed a motion yesterday that lists expected cooperator testimony against him and… some details are not surprising given the level of violence by the CJNG. But rarely is it outlined in these manners, especially by defense attorneys. One of the most astonishing mentions is that he "ordered at least 100 people murdered…"

On February 1, 2017, Ruben Oseguera-Gonzalez was charged in a Superseding Indictment. The Superseding Indictment alleged that from in and around 2007, and continuing to the date of February 1, 2017, Oseguera-Gonzalez engaged in a Conspiracy to Distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is also is charged with possessing and using firearms.

Initially, like many other children of narco leaders, it was expected for Ruben to take a plea deal. But in April 2024, a change of heart and/or circumstances occurred and "Menchito" changed attorneys, and delayed entering his guilty plea and on May 13, 2024, he decided to go to trial, rejecting the plea deal.

The attorney who joined his defense team at the time was Arturo Hernandez, “purportedly retained by the defendant’s family on his behalf,” wrote prosecutors, who noted that several of El Menchito’s close relatives also face charges in related cases.

Attorney Anthony E Colombo, Jr. defending a Tijuana councilmen in 2017.

Based on these filings, his new primary attorney is Anthony E. Colombo, Jr. who is based in San Diego, California. Colombo previously was the attorney for Benjamin Arellano Felix when the former Tijuana kingpin ultimately pleaded guilty in 2012. He also defended former Tijuana councilman Luis Torres Santillán on money laundering charges in 2017.

Many of the possible witness testimonies put forth by the prosecution and in this document mention violence above and beyond those charges. It is for this reason that Menchito's defense attorney is looking to have those witness testimonies and evidence of the violence precluded from the trial.

Several of the noted possible testimony that prosecutor's have put forth in a June 11, 2024 court filing include:

"Defendant ordered several individuals to be drowned in a swimming pool…participated in the torture of two men suspected of cooperating with law enforcement and displayed photos of their dead bodies...directed subordinates to shoot down a Mexican Marine helicopter"

"Defendant directed uniformed and armed law enforcement officers to assist with transportation and protection of drugs, money, and cartel members within Mexico...facilitated the release of a chemist who had been kidnapped as that chemist could assist in fentanyl manufacturing."

"Defendant attempted to recruit others to join his father’s cartel, including someone who had used extreme violence in the past...approved the sale of one ton of cocaine to another drug trafficking organization."

"Defendant approved purchases from a Russian with a military background providing training to the cartel."

The document goes on to say that aside from the Mexican military helicopter being shot down, none of the other crimes have specific dates, locations or are identifying any potential victims. The Marine Cougar helicopter was was shot down on May 1, 2015 resulting in the deaths of 9 soldiers and federal police officers.

Jailhouse Snitch

Some of the post-arrest conduct accusations seemingly come from a "jailhouse snitch." According to the defense, the witness, who was in custody with "Menchito" testified in court in February 2021 that he either was told or overheard the proffered evidence. Some 4 years after the indictment he is being charged in.

His defense stated "Mr. Oseguera-Gonzalez has not been charged with murder, attempted murder, or kidnapping. He has not been charged with racketeering or with any violent crimes in aid of racketeering. He has not been charged with a continuing criminal enterprised. Nowhere in the Superseding Indictment does it allege Mr. Oseguera-Gonzalez's crimes were committed on behalf of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Genercion (CJNG)."

His trial is set to start on October 7 this year.

Sources Keegan Hamilton