Where is El Chapo Now? A Timeline of Events in 2017
In 2017, the world was captivated by the whereabouts of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the notorious leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. After his dramatic escape from a Mexican maximum-security prison in 2015, his capture in 2016, and subsequent extradition to the United States in 2017, here's a comprehensive look at where El Chapo was and what happened to him in 2017.
Extradition to the United States
On January 19, 2017, El Chapo was extradited to the United States. He was flown to New York City and placed in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. This marked a significant moment in the ongoing effort to bring high-level drug traffickers to justice in the U.S.
Indictments and Charges
El Chapo faced multiple indictments in the U.S., with charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine, marijuana, and heroin, as well as money laundering. The indictments were brought by federal prosecutors in New York, California, Texas, and Illinois.
Legal Proceedings in 2017
- February 2017: El Chapo's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the indictments, arguing that the U.S. government was improperly influencing the Mexican government's decision to extradite him.
- April 2017: A U.S. judge denied El Chapo's motion to dismiss the indictments, paving the way for his trial.
- October 2017: El Chapo's lawyers filed a motion seeking a change of venue for his trial, arguing that intense media coverage had made it impossible for him to receive a fair trial in New York. The motion was denied.
El Chapo's Trial in 2018 and Beyond
While 2017 was marked by legal proceedings and preparations for his trial, El Chapo's actual trial didn't begin until November 2018. The trial, which lasted over three months, featured testimony from over 50 witnesses, including former associates of El Chapo who agreed to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors in exchange for reduced sentences.
On February 12, 2019, a jury found El Chapo guilty on all 10 counts, including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute drugs, and firearms offenses. He was sentenced to life without parole on July 17, 2019.
As of 2021, El Chapo is incarcerated at the ADX Florence, a supermax prison in Colorado. His case has had a significant impact on U.S.-Mexico relations and the ongoing war on drugs. Despite his capture and conviction, drug trafficking organizations continue to operate, adapting to the changing landscape of law enforcement efforts.
