Headline: Ovidio and Joaquín Guzmán Skip Court Hearing; Global Plea Deal in Works
Article:
In an unexpected turn of events, Ovidio Guzmán, son of notorious drug lord ‘El Chapo‘ Guzmán, and his brother Joaquín failed to appear at their scheduled hearing on January 7, 2025, at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The no-show was attributed to ongoing negotiations between the defendants and U.S. prosecutors, who are exploring a potential global plea deal that could resolve all outstanding charges against Ovidio in both Illinois and New York.
Prosecutor Andrew Connor Erskine revealed during the hearing that Ovidio faces additional charges in the Southern District of New York, adding complexity to the negotiation process. However, he expressed optimism about reaching a global agreement that would cover all 11 criminal charges against Ovidio in both jurisdictions.
One of the main hurdles in finalizing the deal is Ovidio’s lack of formal knowledge about the charges against him in New York, as he has not yet had an opportunity to appear in that court. Additionally, the investigation against Ovidio’s brother, Joaquín Guzmán López (‘El Güero Moreno‘), is more recent, and his case is being handled separately.
Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman granted the prosecution’s request for a continuance, setting Ovidio’s next court appearance for February 27, 2025, at 1:30 PM CST. Joaquín’s next hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM.
In Chicago, Ovidio faces five charges: drug possession with intent to distribute, participation in a continuing criminal enterprise, drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and firearms offenses. A separate indictment in the Southern District of New York adds six additional charges, including fentanyl trafficking and money laundering conspiracies.
As the legal process unfolds, the Guzmán brothers remain in U.S. custody, with their fate hanging in the balance as negotiations for a potential global plea deal continue.
