By The Opinion
16 Oct 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
The hearing against Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in a federal court in New York it continues to present changes, because after Judge Brian M. Cogan agreed to advance it to October 17, it has now been postponed one day.
This hearing, which could be the beginning of a trial with great implications for the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartelwas previously set for October 31.
However, the New York Prosecutor’s Office requested that it be carried out on Thursday, October 17, arguing that there was a conflict with the previously established date, which was accepted by the judge.
But now the Prosecutor’s Office requested a new date change for a day later, that is, Friday, October 18, due to a “scheduling conflict.”
This postponement occurs just two days after the sentence was handed down to the former Secretary of Public Security of Mexico, Genaro García Lunain the same court.
Could face death penalty
“El Mayo” pleaded not guilty on September 13 to 17 charges, including conspiracy to murder, drug trafficking, membership in a criminal enterprise and weapons possession.
Although the law in New York states that the hearing was to begin within 60 days of the first appearance of the accused, investigating judge James R. Cho made an exception in this case due to its great complexity and the abundance of documents for the investigation, according to EFE.
“Mr. Zambada has been, and may continue to be, one of the largest and most dangerous drug traffickers in the world who, with the narcotics trade and the violence of his criminal enterprise, participated in bribery, torture and murder of civilians and members of cartels. rivals,” said Francisco Navarro, prosecutor of the Brooklyn federal court, on September 13.
Zambada could even face the death penalty – despite being abolished in New York state in 2004 – if the federal government considers that, with his crucial role in the Sinaloa Cartel, main player in the fentanyl overdose crisis in the UScommitted serious crimes such as mass murders or terrorist crimes.
Keep reading:
– “El Mayo” Zambada shares prison with Genaro García Luna.
– “El Mayo” Zambada ordered the murder of his nephew “Cheyo Antrax”, according to US prosecutor.