Son of Mexico's most wanted drug lord gets life imprisonment
What's the story
Ruben Oseguera, son of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, has been sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison and a maximum of life in the US. The 35-year-old was a pivotal figure in one of Mexico's biggest and most dangerous drug trafficking operations. He was convicted of enabling his father's operations with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), notorious for its violent tactics and wide-reaching drug distribution network.
Criminal record
Oseguera's criminal activities and cartel operations
Former US Attorney General Merrick Garland said Oseguera senior was behind the CJNG's use of "murder, kidnapping, and torture" to build the cartel. Prosecutors cited evidence of Osegguera junior's involvement in several heinous crimes, including shooting two people, ordering an assault on a Mexican military helicopter, and orchestrating the murders of at least 100 people in 2015.
Cartel legacy
Early initiation into drug trafficking
Oseguera, or El Menchito as he is known, was involved with the CJNG from a young age. He was recruited into his family's drug trafficking business at the age of 14, one of his defense attorneys said. This early initiation was likely a factor behind his deep entrenchment in the cartel's operations and culture of violence.
Judicial outcome
Life sentence and financial penalties imposed
US District Judge Beryl Howell sentenced Oseguera to a minimum of 40 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment. Along with his prison term, he was also ordered to forfeit more than $6 billion as part of his punishment. This ruling underscores how severe his crimes were and their impact on US society.