The Mexican drug trafficker and leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, is considering pleading guilty to the charges brought against him in the United States on the condition of avoiding the death penalty, according to his legal advisor, Frank Pérez. In an interview with journalist Ioan Grillo, Pérez mentioned that Zambada is not interested in collaborating with U.S. authorities; he only wishes to protect his rights. The main concern at this moment is whether the death penalty will be sought against him.
According to Frank Pérez, it has been ruled out that 'El Mayo' suffers from cancer, although he is receiving medical attention for his diabetes at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York. Despite being in isolation, he receives support from his legal team and visits from close family members. Pérez stated that Zambada is in good health given the circumstances.
The lawyer specializing in criminal law and defense, Frank Pérez, indicated that Zambada could face the death penalty on two counts, so he would be interested in reaching a plea agreement if it is guaranteed that this sentence will not be imposed. Currently, 'El Mayo' is facing legal proceedings in the U.S. for various charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal possession of firearms, and murder.
The next hearing for Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada is scheduled for April 22 in the Eastern District Court of New York, where possible negotiations with the United States Attorney's Office are expected to be defined. Until now, Zambada has not provided authorities with information about his connections with other drug traffickers and political leaders in Mexico since his arrest.
Frank Pérez denied rumors suggesting that Zambada was trying to blackmail the Mexican government to be repatriated and explained that a letter sent to the Mexican Consulate in New York was drafted by his legal team to express his dissatisfaction with the procedures of his arrest. The repatriation request argues that he was kidnapped in Mexico and transported to the U.S. without a formal extradition process, which he considers a violation of his human rights and national sovereignty.
Lawyer Pérez also emphasized that Zambada has represented other clients in federal proceedings in the U.S., such as Vicente Zambada Niebla, 'El Mayo's' son and key witness in the trial against 'El Chapo' Guzmán.
