Notorious Drug Lord 'El Chapo' Sentenced to Life in Prison Plus 30 Years

Joaquín Guzmán Loera, aka 'El Chapo', who once controlled much of the illegal drug trade across the Western Hemisphere was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years on drug trafficking and weapons charges Wednesday in a federal courtroom in New York.

Guzmán spoke at the hearing before being sentenced, claiming his trial had been "stained" by juror misconduct and that the judge had denied him a fair trial while "the whole world was watching." The former leader of the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel also said America lacked justice and is corrupt, just like other countries. Guzmán said his human rights were disrespected and his last 30 days in jail had been torturous, citing an inability to sleep well, trouble breathing and not being allowed to see his wife or daughters.

"My case was stained and you denied me a fair trial when the whole world was watching," Guzman told the court through an interpreter. "When I was extradited to the United States, I expected to have a fair trial, but what happened was exactly the opposite."

During his remarks, Guzmán also thanked his legal team, his family, the prison guards and his supporters for prayers.

Guzmán was convicted back in February after an 11-week trial that featured testimony from former cartel members who described for the jury El Chapo's many crimes, which included murder and torture. The jury of eight women and four men found him guilty on all counts after just six days of deliberations.

In addition to the life sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Cogan ordered Guzman to forfeit $12,666,191,704 based on the quantity and value of the drugs in his crimes.

'El Chapo's defense team has vowed to appeal the verdict.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content