El Chapo's Son Ovidio Guzmán Pleads Guilty in Chicago,…

El Chapo's Son Ovidio Guzmán Pleads Guilty in Chicago, Becomes U.S. Government Witness

An image of Ovidio Guzman released by the Mexican government in October 2019 when he was briefly captured but freed after his cartel waged all-out war (Credit: CEPROPIE via AFP / HO)

Ovidio Guzmán López, known as "El Ratón," son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, has officially pled guilty in a U.S. federal court in Chicago to drug trafficking, money laundering, firearms offenses, and related charges stemming from his role in the Sinaloa Cartel's fentanyl and drug network.

At 35, he becomes the first son cartel leader "El Chapo" to admit guilt in a U.S. court. According to witnesses, Guzmán arrived dressed in prison orange and shackles, acknowledging his leadership of the "Chapitos" faction, which prosecutors say flooded U.S. streets with "staggering" quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

The guilty plea covers four counts in Chicago and multiple indictments, including a separate one in New York, where he had earlier waived trial to consolidate proceedings.

As part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Guzmán has agreed to cooperate "substantially" and may receive a significantly reduced sentence. Reports indicate the deal could save him from a likely life sentence, contingent on the value of his cooperation.

Ovidio Guzmán, son of El Chapo, pleads guilty to drug trafficking in Chicago. He's now officially a cooperator and can give evidence and testimony against other traffickers or political protectors - in return for a reduced sentence. We don't know yet, who the US will use him for.
— Ioan Grillo (@ioangrillo) July 11, 2025

According to ABC Chicago, he has also agreed to pay $80 million as part of the arrangement. His sentencing has been deferred while he fulfills cooperation obligations.

Legal experts suggest his insider testimony could be pivotal in dismantling cartel cells, potentially implicating other traffickers and corrupt officials or "political protectors" who enabled cartel activity. The U.S. Justice Department sees this as a strategic blow to the Sinaloa Cartel leadership, especially amid fragmenting internal power structures following betrayals like the arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

Guzmán's guilty plea sparked criticism from Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who called it "incoherent" to declare cartels terrorist organizations while simultaneously negotiating deals with their leaders.

In Mexico, analysts are already watching how this development may weaken cartel factions and intensify violence in Sinaloa, where internal warfare has exploded since Zambada's maneuvering and betrayals among the Guzmán brothers.

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