“El Menchito” is sentenced in Washington; jury finds him guilty of drug trafficking

Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, known as “The Menchito“, son of the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was found guilty by a jury in Washington DC on two charges related to drug trafficking.

The jury convicted him of cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking as well as possession of firearms and destructive devices for drug trafficking purposes.

“El Menchito” was extradited to the United States in 2020 following his arrest in Mexico. He had previously been arrested twice, in 2014 and 2015.

Oseguera is believed to oversee the cartel’s operations in the purchase and sale of drugs from South America to Mexico, as well as participating in fuel theft in the Mexican state of Jalisco, located in the western part of the country.

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US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “‘El Menchito’ now joins the growing list of senior leaders of the cartel that the Department of Justice has convicted in a US court.”

He expressed gratitude to their Mexican security counterparts for their cooperation and sacrifice in holding the leaders of the Jalisco Cartel accountable.

“‘El Menchito’ led the Jalisco Cartel’s efforts to use murders, kidnappings, and torture to build a self-proclaimed “empire” by manufacturing fentanyl and flooding the US with massive quantities of lethal drugs,” Garland emphasized, while noting that “fentanyl is the most lethal drug that the US has ever faced.”

The sentencing for the young Oseguera, who was born in California and holds both American and Mexican nationalities, will take place on January 10 before District Judge Beryl Howell.

He showed no visible reaction to the jury’s verdict. One of his attorneys gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before he exited the courtroom.

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Prosecutor Kaitlin Sahni, who led the case against Oseguera Gonzalez, referred to him as a “narco prince” due to his rank within the CJNG.

“He progressed from being second in a plaza to being second in an entire cartel,” the prosecutor remarked at the conclusion of her arguments against “El Menchito.”

One of the witnesses was Óscar Nava Valencia, also known as ‘El Lobo’, who was part of the leadership of the Milenio Cartel, a former ally of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Since 2018, the CJNG has been included in the US list of transnational criminal organizations, specifically among the five priorities identified by the US government.

Oseguera Cervantes, often referred to as “El Mencho,” is the founder and leader of the criminal organization. At the end of 2018, the US government doubled the maximum reward for his capture from $5 million to $10 million.

*With information from EFE

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Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez Convicted: The Fall of ‘El Menchito’

Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, known by his alias ‘El Menchito’, has become a significant figure in the recent developments surrounding the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The son of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, Oseguera Gonzalez was found guilty in a Washington DC jury trial on multiple charges tied to drug trafficking operations.

Charges and Conviction

The jury’s decision came after evidence presented in court revealed Oseguera Gonzalez’s involvement in:

• Cocaine trafficking
• Methamphetamine trafficking
• Possession of firearms and destructive devices intended for drug trafficking purposes

“El Menchito” was extradited to the United States in 2020, marking a significant development after his previous arrests in 2014 and 2015. The conviction is expected to have far-reaching implications not only for Oseguera but also for the operations of the CJNG, which has emerged as one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.

The Role of Oseguera Gonzalez within CJNG

Oseguera Gonzalez is believed to be a key player in the cartel’s drug trafficking strategies, which include:

Drug Operations

• Purchasing and selling drugs sourced from South America to Mexico
• Engaging in fuel theft in the Jalisco region

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that Oseguera Gonzalez’s activities were integral to the cartel’s broader efforts to expand its reach and intensify the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States.

Implications of the Conviction

According to Garland, the conviction of “El Menchito” contributes to a growing list of senior leaders of the CJNG who have been successfully prosecuted in U.S. courts. This is part of a concerted effort by the U.S. Department of Justice to dismantle the operations of the cartel. Garland stated:

“‘El Menchito’ led the Jalisco Cartel’s efforts to use murders, kidnappings, and torture to establish a self-proclaimed ’empire’ by manufacturing fentanyl and flooding the U.S. with massive quantities of lethal drugs.”

The growing focus on the CJNG highlights both the cartel’s methods and the escalating crisis of fentanyl in the U.S., which has been described as the most lethal drug facing the nation today.

Future Sentencing and Ongoing Investigations

The sentencing for Oseguera Gonzalez is scheduled for January 10, with U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell presiding over the case. Following the jury’s verdict, Oseguera exhibited no notable reaction, highlighting the serious implications of this conviction on his future.

Witness Testimony

The prosecution’s case was bolstered by testimonies from significant figures, including Óscar Nava Valencia, known as ‘El Lobo’, who previously held a leadership position within the Milenio Cartel. This underscores the layered connections and fierce competition within the drug trafficking landscape.

CJNG: A Cartel on the Rise

Since 2018, the CJNG has held a notorious reputation, recognized as one of the five top transnational criminal organizations by the U.S government. Furthermore, Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” remains a key target in the ongoing efforts against organized crime, with a reward for his capture raised to $10 million.

Conclusion

The conviction of Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez sends a strong message regarding the U.S. government’s commitment to combatting transnational drug trafficking and holding cartel leaders accountable. The ongoing cooperation with Mexican authorities plays an essential role in these efforts, as both countries grapple with the challenges posed by powerful drug cartels like CJNG.