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El Mayo Zambada Seeks 90-Day Sentencing Delay Citing Violence in Mexico

The defense says escalating violence in Mexican regions is blocking access to witnesses and materials needed for a mitigation memo.

Overview

  • Defense attorney Frank A. Pérez filed the motion on December 9 in the Eastern District of New York, where sentencing is currently set for January 12, 2026 before Judge Brian C. Cogan.
  • The request asks to push the hearing roughly three months to mid‑April 2026 to complete a sentencing memorandum.
  • The filing cites heightened violence and instability in parts of Mexico that have delayed travel and communications and hindered collecting letters, background information, and testimony from witnesses and family.
  • Pérez informed the court that Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Navarro does not oppose the motion.
  • Zambada pleaded guilty on August 25, 2025 and faces a potential life sentence, a reported $2 million fine, and U.S. efforts to forfeit assets estimated at about $15 billion, while the judge has not yet ruled on the delay.