Joaquín Guzmán López, “El Chapo’s” Son, to Plead Guilty per Court Documents

Joaquín Guzmán López, son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has agreed to change his plea from not guilty to guilty. This decision pertains to several charges pending against him, as revealed by court documents. The hearing is scheduled for Monday at 1:30 PM local time, or 2:30 PM in Miami.

Charges Faced by Joaquín Guzmán López

Guzmán López previously declared innocence in July 2024. He is facing multiple serious allegations, including:

• Narcotrafficking
• Money laundering
• Firearms offenses

These charges are linked to his involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel. His father, “El Chapo,” is serving a life sentence in the United States for similar crimes.

Detention and Legal Proceedings

Joaquín Guzmán López was detained shortly after declaring his innocence. This occurred following his illegal entry into the United States with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a historic leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. Zambada has stated he was misled by Guzmán López into crossing the border.

Initially, Zambada also pleaded not guilty to narcotrafficking charges. However, in August, he changed his plea to guilty and is awaiting sentencing in January.

Family Connections and Other Developments

Ovidio Guzmán López, another son of “El Chapo,” is also entangled in legal issues. He pleaded guilty in July to charges related to narcotrafficking, money laundering, and possession of firearms, all linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Ovidio was extradited from Mexico to the United States in September 2023, where he, too, awaits sentencing.

These developments illustrate the ongoing impact of the Guzmán family’s criminal legacy and the extensive legal battles they face in connection with the Sinaloa Cartel.