ICYMI: Son-In-Law of Notorious Cartel Boss Arrested in California After Faking His Own Death
A high-ranking member of a cartel who faked his death to escape justice is busted in California—now facing life behind bars. 🌐 #News #RiversideCA #California #Crime
RIVERSIDE, CA – Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, a high-ranking member of the notorious Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), has been arrested in California after allegedly faking his own death in an attempt to escape justice. The 37-year-old, who is also the son-in-law of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, was taken into custody in Riverside, California, this week. He faces multiple charges related to international drug trafficking and money laundering.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
Gutierrez-Ochoa was arrested on Tuesday in Riverside, California, where he had been living under a false identity. The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a criminal complaint on Wednesday, revealing that Gutierrez-Ochoa had been involved in trafficking massive amounts of drugs into the U.S. Authorities allege that between 2014 and his arrest, Gutierrez-Ochoa was responsible for coordinating the transport of around 40,000 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2,000 kilograms of cocaine.
He faces charges of conspiracy to distribute drugs, including large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as conspiracy to launder CJNG’s drug proceeds.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco commented on the significance of the arrest, stating, “The Jalisco Cartel — one of the world’s most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations — is weaker today because of the tenacious efforts of law enforcement to track down and arrest a cartel leader who allegedly faked his own death and assumed a false identity to evade justice and live a life of luxury in California.”
Alleged Role in Cartel Activities
Gutierrez-Ochoa is not just accused of drug trafficking. The complaint also details his alleged involvement in violent acts. In late 2021, he was reportedly involved in the kidnapping of two Mexican Navy members to force the release of El Mencho’s wife, who was in custody at the time.
During this period, as Mexican authorities searched for him, El Mencho allegedly assisted Gutierrez-Ochoa in faking his death, claiming that he had killed his son-in-law for lying. This allowed Gutierrez-Ochoa to enter the U.S. undetected, where he assumed a false identity and settled in a luxury home in Riverside purchased with money laundered from drug sales.
Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, expressed the department’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations, saying, “Over the last decade, Cristian Gutierrez-Ochoa, a close associate of CJNG’s top leader, allegedly directed the importation of tons of methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States and engaged in violence to aid the cartel’s criminal activities.”
CJNG and El Mencho’s Ongoing Impact
The CJNG, led by El Mencho, is one of the most dangerous and influential drug cartels operating today. The cartel is notorious for its brutal violence and extensive drug trafficking operations, which have led to widespread destruction across both Mexico and the U.S.
The U.S. government has long sought El Mencho, offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture or conviction. Despite numerous efforts, El Mencho remains a fugitive, with U.S. authorities working relentlessly to dismantle his organization.
“Defeating the two cartels responsible for the deadly drug crisis in the United States is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s top operational priority, and with the arrest of Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, we are much closer,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.
“We allege that Gutierrez-Ochoa, a high-ranking member of the CJNG and the son-in-law of El Mencho, conspired to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States on behalf of the Jalisco Cartel. The Jalisco Cartel is responsible for unprecedented violence in Mexico and helping to fuel the deadly drug crisis in the United States.”
If convicted on the drug trafficking conspiracy charge, Gutierrez-Ochoa faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of life in prison. Additionally, he could face up to 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy charge.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | California | Mexico
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