The transfer of substances of a narcotic nature in the USA involves a unique business - the process concerning the sons of the convicted drug leader Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. Journalist Jesus Esquivel appeared at the hearing for the case of Ovidio Guzmán López, which took place on Monday in the Federal Court for the Northern District of Chicago, Illinois. It became known on the Aristegui Noticias site that Joaquín's brother 'El Chapo' Guzmán will have the same lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman, who represented the interests of their father.
The first hearing lasted only 10 minutes, and at it Ovidio Guzmán appeared before the court in an orange jumpsuit, with handcuffs on his legs. Today’s speech was about the fact that both Guzmán brothers Lopez were represented by the same lawyer.
Judge Sharon Johnson-Coulmen approved the representation of both brothers by the same lawyer, and it was accepted by both parties - the defense and the prosecution. The next hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2025. However, if one of the brothers does not appear, it will indicate that he has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice.
Jesus Esquivel noted that their absence from the Federal Bureau of Prisons lists does not mean that they are not under federal custody. Lichtman specifically emphasized that they have always been under supervision, but can be transferred to other prisons due to overcrowding or for optimizing the process.
It is characteristic that Ovidio Guzmán was transferred to another prison two days before the arrival of his brother Joaquín. This occurred in June of last year. The court on January 7 may be missed if agreements are reached with American authorities by this date.
The signing of such an agreement may mean a significant reduction in information related to other drug barons and politicians associated with the Sinaloa Cartel. Considering that both brothers will be represented by the same lawyer, it becomes clear that their cases will be considered in parallel. Such events may lead to potential collusion of judicial authorities with politicians, as well as with law enforcement or police. The work of lawyer Lichtman in this case is presented as key, considering his experience representing their father and Emma Coronel.
