Ruben “El Menchito” Oseguera Gonzalez, the son of the notorious leader of Mexico’s Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), has received a life sentence in a U.S. prison. This decision comes amid increasing pressure from the U.S. on Mexico to take stronger action against drug cartels.
On Friday, El Menchito, 34, appeared in front of U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell in Washington, D.C. He was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 30 years and ordered to pay over $6 billion in restitution. This ruling follows a trial in September 2024, where several high-profile drug lords testified against him. Witnesses identified him as the second-in-command of CJNG, just below his father, Ruben Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that El Menchito played a significant role in turning CJNG into a violent organization responsible for distributing drugs, including fentanyl, across the United States. He has been linked to the transportation of large quantities of drugs into the country and is considered one of the first traffickers to introduce fentanyl.
El Menchito has a history of violent actions, including ordering the shooting down of a Mexican military helicopter in 2015 to facilitate his and his father’s escape. While Mexican authorities initially reported only three casualties, U.S. officials later confirmed that at least nine officers died in that incident.
Federal authorities describe him as a ruthless individual, claiming he personally killed some victims and ordered over 100 murders as part of his criminal activities.
Before his extradition to the U.S. in February 2020, El Menchito was captured twice in Mexico, in 2014 and 2015. Both times, he was released under questionable circumstances. However, after his 2015 arrest, Mexican authorities secured additional warrants to keep him in custody.
El Menchito’s sentencing marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against drug cartels, highlighting the U.S. government’s commitment to addressing the drug crisis and holding cartel leaders accountable.