Lawyers for ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Request Postponement of Drug Trafficker’s Sentencing Due to Violence in Mexico

‘El Mayo’s’ defense has requested that the sentencing be postponed three months due to the situation in Mexico.

The defense of Ismael Zambada García, alias El Mayo, former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, has requested that the Mexican’s sentencing be postponed three months, from January to April of next year.

According to the defense, the request stems from the fact that the preparation of the pre-sentencing report for the former drug lord has been hampered by the violence in Mexico.

“A substantial portion of the mitigating evidence must be obtained from individuals located in regions of Mexico that are currently experiencing increasing violence and instability,” wrote Zambada’s lawyer, Frank Pérez, in a letter submitted to the District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Thus, if the sentencing scheduled for January 12, 2026, is postponed, El Mayo’s appearance, who pleaded guilty to two charges on August 25, would now be scheduled for mid-April of next year.

‘El Mayo’s’ lawyer claims that the violence in Mexico is preventing the drafting of the document

According to Pérez, the Mexican drug trafficker’s lawyer, the violence in Mexico has prevented progress in drafting the sentencing memorandum in support of his client.

This document, prepared by the defense, seeks to ensure that the sentence for their client is as lenient as possible, often through letters from family members, friends, and even politicians who intercede on behalf of the accused before the judge.

“These conditions have created serious logistical difficulties in arranging conversations, obtaining letters, and securing other essential contextual information from witnesses and family members. Travel and communication delays have been unavoidable, and several individuals have barely been able to confirm their availability to help,” added Pérez. According to the document signed by Zambada García’s representative, the U.S. government agrees to the postponement of the sentencing.

“I have informed Francisco J. Navarro, the U.S. Assistant Attorney assigned to this case, and he doesn’t object to the motion or the granting of this motion,” Pérez states.

Ismael, “El Mayo,” faces prosecution and a potential life sentence on organized crime charges and currently has no mitigating circumstances in his favor, such as having entered into a cooperation agreement with the United States.

These agreements have been reached in various cases against Mexican drug traffickers, such as the sons of “El Chapo,” who have pleaded guilty and expect some leniency in their sentences for surrendering.

Furthermore, “El Güero,” Guzmán Loera’s son, also took the opportunity at his last hearing to admit to the kidnapping of Zambada, who was forcibly handed over to U.S. authorities.

Source: Telediario