**Gerardo Ortiz Admits to Charges Related to Concerts Tied to CJNG in the U.S.**
Popular narcocorrido singer Gerardo Ortiz has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge of violating the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act in the United States. This law enables the U.S. government to impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved in international narcotics trafficking. Ortiz, a 35-year-old originally from Pasadena, California, admitted to performing at six concerts organized in Mexico by Angel del Villar, his former manager and music promoter. Del Villar was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2018 on allegations of money laundering for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
According to reports, Ortiz had been cooperating with the FBI in its case against the label owner of Del Records, who was facing trial in Los Angeles federal court for related charges. Del Villar was detained in June 2022 along with the CFO of Del Entertainment, Luca Scalisi. The U.S. Department of Justice highlighted Del Villar’s alleged partnership with concert promoter Jesús Pérez Alvear, prominently known as “El Zar del Palenque.”
Ortiz’s involvement became public on March 19, 2025, when the U.S. federal prosecutor Alex Schwab disclosed Ortiz’s participation in the conspiracy and his acceptance of the charge, preparing to testify against del Villar. The singer, known for glorifying cartel leaders through his music, signed with Del Records in 2009, a relationship that soured by 2018 due to legal pressures.
Ortiz’s plea follows a warning from federal agents about performing at a concert in 2018, potentially violating the Kingpin Act. Despite the risks, Ortiz still performed at several concerts organized by Pérez Alvear across Mexico. Upon returning to the U.S., Ortiz had to account for his actions, ultimately cooperating with federal authorities.
Del Villar could face a 30-year prison sentence if convicted of violating laws established to dismantle the financial networks of drug cartels. Meanwhile, Pérez Alvear, a significant CJNG affiliate, was assassinated in late 2024 in Mexico City.
**Related Developments: The Music Industry and Cartel Links**
The entanglement of the music industry with criminal organizations has been an ongoing concern. Following the revelations of Ortiz’s ties to CJNG operations, industry insiders speculate about the broader implications for artists who might unknowingly become involved with illicit networks.
The assassination of Jesús Pérez Alvear sheds light on the dangerous intersections between entertainment and cartels. Known as a key financial facilitator for CJNG, Pérez Alvear’s involvement in the music world was not just limited to organizing events but also allegedly facilitating money laundering operations through his company, Gallística Diamante.
The U.S. State Department has issued precautions to its citizens following the shooting of Pérez Alvear, highlighting growing safety concerns in areas strongly influenced by cartel activity. The OFAC had previously labeled Pérez Alvear and his enterprises as linked to drug trafficking networks, signaling the extent to which organized crime can infiltrate legitimate businesses, exploiting the glamorous world of music for illicit gains.
As the trials progress and more industry figures are scrutinized, there is an increasing emphasis on drawing clear boundaries and ensuring due diligence within the music and entertainment sectors. For Gerardo Ortiz, his cooperation marks a pivotal step in potentially dismantling the financial connections that empower such cartels.
Stay tuned for continued updates and in-depth analyses as the legal proceedings unfold.