Brothers Miguel Ángel and Omar Treviño Morales, known as 'Z-40' and 'Z-42' respectively, are about to face their first hearing in the United States after being extradited from Mexico on February 27. It is speculated that they could be sentenced to life in prison if a trial is opened against them, according to U.S. authorities.
The Treviño brothers face four charges, and if found guilty in a trial, they could be sentenced to death. The hearing will take place in the Federal Court for the District of Columbia. 'Z-40's' attorney, Frank Pérez, also represents 'El Mayo' Zambada, who expressed fear of being sentenced to death if he is not extradited to Mexico.
The trial is considered complex due to the diversity of evidence against the detainees, who were extradited along with 27 other drug traffickers, including Rafael Caro Quintero. It is unknown whether there will be a possibility of reaching a deal to avoid the trial in which they could face the death penalty.
According to U.S. authorities, the Treviño brothers are accused of organized crime, drug trafficking, possession of firearms, and money laundering, in relation to their operations in Los Zetas. This criminal scheme is similar to that charged against Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán.
Miguel Ángel Treviño, 'Z-40', joined the Gulf Cartel, Los Zetas, where he rose to commander in 2002. During his leadership, he focused his operations on extortion, armed confrontations, and other violent activities, affecting several states in Mexico. After his arrest in 2013, his brother Omar, 'Z-42', took control of Los Zetas until his arrest in 2015.
