Overview

• The Eastern District of New York converted the Aug. 25 hearing to a change‑of‑plea proceeding for Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, with Judge Brian Cogan presiding, after U.S. authorities confirmed they will not seek the death penalty.
• A new U.S. court filing states Zambada has reached an agreement with prosecutors and is expected to plead guilty to organized‑crime offenses, with filings indicating the case may proceed under the Classified Information Procedures Act.
• Defense lawyer Frank Pérez says an agreement is in place; analysts note such deals typically involve cooperation with authorities, though any terms remain under seal.
• In Mexico, a federal injunction secured the immediate release of Alejandro “N” (“Lord Pádel”) and Othón “N” from the Barrientos prison in the Atizapán beating case, while Karla Alejandra “N” and Germán “N” remain before a judge on attempted‑homicide allegations.
• Mexico’s federal prosecutors reported 11‑year sentences for two defendants in the 2022 attempt on journalist Ciro Gómez Leyva, and Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller publicly denied claims she moved to Spain and said she will consider legal action against those who spread the report.