The Mexican drug trafficker Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, nicknamed 'The Viceroy', has been detained in a New York prison since February, accused by the United States Government. It has recently come to light that he has been negotiating a plea deal with the Prosecutor's Office for the past two months, revealed during a brief hearing in a New York federal court.
Carrillo Fuentes, known for being the brother of Amado Carrillo, alias 'The Lord of the Skies', and founder of the powerful Juárez cartel, had his first hearing with Judge Jean Marie Azrack in the federal court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn. So far, the accused has pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges against him.
Fuentes and his associate Rafael Caro Quintero's extradition from Mexico to the United States to face drug trafficking charges was seen as part of the anti-drug strategy pushed by President Donald Trump. During the hearing, the Prosecutor's Office indicated that the negotiations for a plea deal have been ongoing for two months and it seems feasible to reach a consensus.
The judge informed Carrillo Fuentes of his right to a speedy trial, which would not exceed 70 days from the filing of charges. Given the existence of an ongoing negotiation process, it was agreed to temporarily halt the speedy trial while discussions continue between the Prosecutor's Office and the accused. The next hearing for the case has been set for June 22.
The United States Attorney General has confirmed that it will seek the death penalty for both Carrillo Fuentes and Caro Quintero. The latter is also accused of the murder of DEA agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena.
