El Chapo’s Son Admits Guilt in Chicago Court: A Stunning Turn in Global Drug War
- Natalie Frank
- Jul 11
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Ovidio Guzman Lopez pleads guilty to drug trafficking, firearms charges, in cooperation deal that could reshape U.S.-Mexico cartel prosecutions
Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D July 11, 2025
CHICAGO - Ovidio Guzmán López, the son of the notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, pleaded guilty on Friday to federal charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms. This court case marks the first time one of El Chapo’s children has officially admitted guilt in the United States, adding a new layer to the long-running battle against drug cartels and illegal smuggling.
Ovidio Guzmán López, who, along with his brother Joaquín Guzmán López, is believed to have led the "Chapitos" faction of the Sinaloa cartel, admitted to his involvement in managing the production and shipment of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl into the U.S. Prosecutors say the brothers played a major role in flooding U.S. cities with dangerous drugs, especially fentanyl, which has caused tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year.
