Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s trial has been postponed from April 16th to September. Eduardo Balarezo, El Chapo’s attorney, stated that the communication with the drug lord is a problem when it comes to reviewing all the evidence.
He also stated that since El Chapo is not allowed to speak to any relative, he can’t get money to pay for any service, including his defense. Balarezo asked for the trial to get postponed so he could have more time to review the evidence and get paid for his services.
The New York federal judge in charge of El Chapo’s case, Brian Cogan, announced that the trial would get postponed, but he did not specify the reasons or an exact date. El Chapo is isolated in a 20-by-12-foot cell 23 hours a day. He’s been like that for over a year now.
Former and current lawyers stated that due to his isolation, the drug lord suffers from hallucinations and respiratory problems. While the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel spends his days in “The Guantanamo of New York,” his grandson Damaso Lopez Serrano just pled guilty to drug trafficking.
Also know as “Mini Lic.,” Lopez Serrano self-surrendered to U.S. law enforcement at the Calexico West, Mexico Port of Entry on July 27th, 2017. He acknowledged his role as leader of the Sinaloa cartel in the Southern District of California.
He also confessed he organized the transportation and distribution of thousands of kilograms of controlled substances from Mexico to the United States. Lopez Serrano admitted to firearms possession, and to promoting the cartel’s trafficking activities.
“For Lopez-Serrano’s distribution of literally tons of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin across the border to America, he will now face justice in a San Diego federal court,” said U.S. attorney Braveman. According to The Southern District of California, they arrested over 125 people related to the Sinaloa cartel in the 5-year investigation started in 2011.
In the face of the current drug crisis we face in this country, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) “will continue to investigate and bring these violent criminals to justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Woodland. A sentencing hearing got scheduled for July 12th, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw.
This article was inspired by Latin Times // ‘El Chapo’ Trial: Judge Postpones Hearing Until September Due To Defense Payment Difficulties