Vicente Carrillo Fuentes’s Next Hearing Scheduled for July; Former Juárez Cartel Leader Faces 7 Charges
The former leader of the Juárez Cartel, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes—alias “El Viceroy”—and his defense team are negotiating a possible plea bargain with the prosecution in the United States.
Today, April 28, 2026, during a hearing at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, both parties requested additional time from the judge to continue these negotiations. The next hearing has been scheduled for July 28.
Carrillo Fuentes—brother of Amado, “El Señor de los Cielos” (The Lord of the Skies)—faces seven charges related to drug trafficking, weapons offenses, money laundering, and murder.
Should no agreement be reached, he could face life imprisonment if found guilty at a potential trial.
Satisfied with His Defense
Last February, the defendant affirmed that he was satisfied with the services of his attorney, Rubén Oliva, following allegations regarding a possible conflict of interest.
During his court appearance that month, the drug trafficker told Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Paulen that it was his wish for Oliva to remain in charge of his case.
During a *Curcio* hearing—a proceeding held when there is a possibility that a defendant’s attorney may have a “conflict of interest”—the defendant was informed of his constitutional right to conflict-free legal representation, as well as various potential conflicts that could arise with his current counsel.
However, “El Viceroy” acknowledged that he understood the potential conflicts that could arise with his current attorney. Nevertheless, he stated that he was waiving his right to conflict-free representation.
Who Is Vicente Carrillo Fuentes?
Vicente Carrillo Fuentes was born on October 16, 1962, in Navolato, Sinaloa, and assumed leadership of the Juárez Cartel in 1997 following the death of “El Señor de los Cielos.” According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Vicente and Amado “led the infamous Juárez Cartel for over two decades.” “El Viceroy” served first as a commander of the criminal organization’s hitmen and soldiers, and later as its supreme leader.
In February 2025, Mexico extradited him to U.S. territory along with 28 other criminal leaders.
Following his transfer to the United States, the Department of Justice announced that Vicente Carrillo Fuentes—along with fellow kingpin Rafael Caro Quintero—had been arraigned in a Brooklyn court.
El Viceroy was arraigned on a superseding indictment charging him with seven counts:
* One count of leading a continuing criminal enterprise, which encompasses six violations and a conspiracy to commit murder.
* Four counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
* One count of the unlawful use of firearms to further drug trafficking.
* One count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Source: NMás
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