Prosecutors, defense to meet again in October on El Chapo's son's drug charges

CHICAGO (DT) — The son of a former Mexican cartel leader appeared in federal court in Chicago Monday morning.

Ovidio Guzmán López, accused of international drug trafficking, is the son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

Guzmán-López appeared for his status hearing before Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman.

The hearing was expected to focus on drug trafficking, money laundering, firearms and other charges that Guzmán-López faces, according to Coleman's court deputy.

Prosecutors and the defense agreed to meet again in the fall.

The defense needs more time to review all the evidence, which includes recordings and reports, that has been collected by the U.S. government against Guzmán-López, according to court assistant Yvette Montanez.

The judge set the next hearing for October 1 at 10:15 a.m.

Guzmán-López, also known as “El Raton,” meaning “The Mouse,” pleaded not guilty in September 2023 to criminal charges after being extradited from Mexico to the United States.

Federal prosecutors say he conspired to distribute cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana from Mexico to the United States between about 2008 and at least 2021.

According to court documents, Guzmán-López waived his right to a detention hearing and was ordered to remain held without bail.

Guzmán-López's father, “El Chapo,” was convicted in 2019 in New York for his role as leader of the Mexican Sinaloa cartel.

After his conviction, his three sons, including Guzmán-López, allegedly assumed the role of “El Chapo” as leaders of the criminal organization.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced last year that he would hold criminals accountable for the opioid epidemic.

The Department of Justice will continue to hold accountable those who fueled the opioid epidemic that has devastated too many communities across the country.

Monday's court appearance was Guzmán López's second since his extradition from Mexico to the United States.

Editor's note: The National Office will update this story as more information is obtained.