Background on Ovidio Guzmán and His Father
Ovidio Guzmán, son of the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has been released from prison following a plea agreement with U.S. authorities for multiple drug trafficking offenses. He is now in a secret location while continuing to cooperate.
Known as ‘El Ratón’ (The Mouse), Ovidio was released from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago on July 14, after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges in a Chicago court on July 9. This move has upset Mexican authorities, who had initially arrested him.
Details of the Plea Agreement
As part of a collaboration agreement with U.S. authorities under a witness protection program, Ovidio’s release is contingent on his continued cooperation. If deemed satisfactory by prosecutors, they will recommend to Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman a sentence below life imprisonment when the sentencing hearing takes place in January 2026.
During this time, Ovidio, the leader of “Los Chapitos” (The Little Chaps), one of the factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, is expected to provide additional information that could lead to further prosecutions against the organization once led by his father.
Other Family Members Collaborating with U.S. Authorities
Ovidio is not the only offspring of “El Chapo” to collaborate with U.S. authorities in search of leniency in their sentences. Joaquín Guzmán López turned himself in voluntarily last year after landing near El Paso, Texas. Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, another former cartel leader, claims he was sold by the Guzmán family to U.S. authorities.
Mexico has expressed displeasure with the Donald Trump administration for not involving them in the process, despite their significant role in Ovidio’s arrest.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ovidio Guzmán? Son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
- What is Ovidio’s current status? Released from prison under a U.S. plea agreement, currently in a secret location while cooperating.
- What is the nature of Ovidio’s plea agreement? He pleaded guilty to multiple drug trafficking offenses and is cooperating under a witness protection program.
- What are the implications for Ovidio’s future? If his cooperation is deemed satisfactory, he may receive a sentence below life imprisonment at the January 2026 sentencing hearing.
- Who else from the Guzmán family has collaborated with U.S. authorities? Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada have both collaborated with U.S. authorities.
- Why is Mexico upset? Mexican authorities feel left out of the process, despite playing a significant role in Ovidio’s arrest.
