Tue Dec 02 02:56:57 UTC 2025: “El Chapo’s” Son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Admits to Kidnapping Rival
Chicago, IL – Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, pleaded guilty in a Chicago federal court Monday to drug trafficking and organized crime charges, reversing his initial “not guilty” plea. Guzman Lopez, one of the “Chapitos,” admitted to his involvement in the Sinaloa Cartel, the powerful organization his father once led.
The plea deal, which includes cooperation with U.S. prosecutors and an $80 million forfeiture, allows Guzman Lopez to potentially avoid a life sentence, although he still faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. As part of the agreement, he will not be able to appeal his sentence.
According to court documents, Guzman Lopez acknowledged that he and his brothers furthered the cartel’s operations through bribery, violence, and the use of firearms against law enforcement, rivals, and even members within their own organization.
In a shocking admission, Guzman Lopez also pleaded guilty to kidnapping a person believed to be Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Prosecutors described the kidnapping, alleging Guzman Lopez lured the individual to a meeting, had them seized, drugged, and transported to the U.S. against their will. However, it was revealed in court that the kidnapping was not approved by the U.S. government and Guzman Lopez would not be given cooperation credit because of the kidnapping.
The hearing took place under heightened security. Guzman Lopez’s lawyer expressed gratitude for the Mexican government’s non-interference in the case.
This development comes after another of El Chapo’s sons, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, pleaded guilty in July to similar charges and faces a potential life sentence. Two other Guzman Lopez brothers remain at large. El Chapo himself is currently serving a life sentence in a U.S. maximum-security prison.
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