## TJGringo.com
### Son of ‘El Chapo’ Appears in Chicago Court; Lawyer Denies Any Deal with U.S. Government
On September 30, 2024, Joaquín Guzmán López, also known as “El Güero Moreno” and son of the infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, appeared before Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman at the Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago. Guzmán López, 38, was accompanied by his attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman.
During the brief hearing, Judge Coleman asked Guzmán López if he agreed that Lichtman also represents his brother, Ovidio Guzmán López, known as “El Ratón,” in the same case. Guzmán López consented. He was escorted to the court without handcuffs and wore an orange prison jumpsuit.
The next court meeting for Guzmán López and Johnson Coleman is scheduled for January 7, 2025, pending a similar approval from his brother, Ovidio. Lichtman clarified that there is no agreement with the U.S. Government regarding his client, despite ongoing speculation.
When questioned by local reporters about possible cooperation with U.S. authorities, Lichtman stated, “We don’t have any deal with the government… It’s not easy living as a fugitive in Sinaloa. Sometimes it’s better to resolve legal issues.” He further mentioned that he is attempting to work towards a resolution with federal prosecutors to avoid a trial.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Guzmán López is confined in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago (MCC Chicago). He entered this facility on September 15, 2023, the same day his brother “El Ratón” was extradited to the United States.
Lichtman reiterated that Guzmán López had no pact with the U.S. government concerning the entrega of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Despite the severity of the charges—drug trafficking, money laundering, possession of weapons, and violent crimes—Guzmán López maintains his innocence.
During his July 30, 2024 appearance, Guzmán López spoke fluent English and waived the need for a Spanish interpreter. He reported health issues related to thyroid and high blood pressure treatment. Following his plea of not guilty, the court proceedings continue to gather evidence before any potential trial.
### Additional Coverage on Related Developments
**Key Developments in the Trial of ‘El Ratón’, Ovidio Guzmán López**
Recently extradited to the U.S., Ovidio Guzmán López, another of “El Chapo’s” sons, faces similar charges. On being asked if either brother was cooperating with U.S. authorities, Lichtman consistently denied any formal agreements. The federal court is now assessing the large volume of evidence linked to their crimes, which include significant drug trafficking activities across borders.
**Law Enforcement’s Push Against the Sinaloa Cartel**
There has been a considerable push from U.S. law enforcement to dismantle the activities of the Sinaloa Cartel. With Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán already serving a life sentence and now multiple family members facing charges, authorities hope to curtail the cartel’s influence. Analysts predict that the outcome of these trials could significantly impact the drug trafficking dynamics between Mexico and the United States.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more updates on these ongoing trials and their broader implications.
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