photo credit: Burdun Iliya // Shutterstock
El Chapo, real name Joaquin Guzman, has been found guilty of all 10 federal criminal charges against him, he now faces life in prison. He will be sentenced on June 25th. Chapo’s charges included engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to launder narcotics proceeds, international distribution of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and other drugs, and use of firearms.
Over the past 2.5 months, the jury has been hearing testimonies from about 56 witnesses about the corruption of Mexico’s government, torturous murders, and more. Fourteen of these witnesses were drug traffickers or cartel associates, who hoped to get reduced time in prison by cooperating with prosectors.
The jury of 8 women and 4 men deliberated for nearly 34 hours over a total of 6 days before coming to a final verdict.
“We are obviously disappointed with the jury’s verdict in the trial of Joaquín Guzmán Loera but are respectful of the process and the jury’s decision,” defense attorney Eduardo Balarezo said. “We were faced with extraordinary and unprecedented obstacles in defending Joaquín …”
According to CNN, US Attorney for Eastern District of New York Richard Donoghue said the case represented a victory for the American people, for Mexican people who had lost loved ones in drug wars, and for every family who has lost someone to drug addiction.
Chapo escaped from from Mexican prisons twice, in 2001 in a laundry cart and in 2015 through a tunnel. He was recaptured in 2016, being extradited to the US where he faces these American federal charges.
Written by Clarke Jones
Source: CNN