Son of 'El Chapo' expected to change not guilty plea in Chicago drug trafficking case

Case background

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel, is already serving a life sentence in the United States for drug trafficking and related crimes. His organization was one of the most powerful drug cartels in the world, responsible for moving large quantities of narcotics into the U.S.

Sons of 'El Chapo'

One of his sons, Ovidio Guzmán López, has been charged in Chicago with federal drug trafficking offenses. In July, he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in a U.S. court, admitting his role in the cartel’s operations.

Another son, Joaquin Guzmán López, has also faced U.S. charges related to managing parts of the cartel’s drug distribution network. Together, the brothers have been accused of helping run a faction of the Sinaloa cartel and coordinating large shipments of illegal drugs into the United States.

Chicago proceedings

Court documents from Chicago indicate that a son of "El Chapo" is moving to change a previous not guilty plea in a federal drug trafficking case. The expected change of plea reflects negotiations with prosecutors and could lead to a formal guilty plea in the Chicago court.

Prosecutors allege that the cartel factions led by El Chapo’s sons oversaw the trafficking of massive quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics into the U.S., contributing to overdose deaths. The Chicago case is part of broader U.S. efforts to dismantle Sinaloa cartel networks operating across multiple states.

Consequences and cooperation

By shifting from a not guilty plea toward a guilty plea, the defendant opens the door to a potential plea agreement with federal authorities. Such agreements often involve cooperation with investigators in exchange for a recommendation of a sentence below life imprisonment.

Even with potential reductions, the charges related to continuing criminal enterprise and major drug trafficking typically carry very long prison terms, sometimes including mandatory life sentences. The final sentence will depend on the judge’s decision and on the extent of any cooperation with the government.

"El Chapo" is already serving a life sentence.

His other son, Ovidio Guzmán López, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago in July.

He also faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence under U.S. law.

Author’s summary

El Chapo’s sons face mounting U.S. pressure as one moves to change his plea in Chicago, signaling deeper cooperation and highlighting the ongoing dismantling of Sinaloa cartel networks.

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ABC7 Los Angeles ABC7 Los Angeles — 2025-11-29

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