Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán has received a life sentence after being convicted of continuing a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to launder narcotics proceeds and a number of other crimes. The sentence comes after a three month long trial that included 200 hours of testimony. During the trial, witness spoke about accusations of drug trafficking, money laundering and bribery.
In addition to the life sentence, Guzmán received a thirty year sentence back in February for ten previous counts relating to criminal activity. He will also be asked to forfeit $12.6 billion to the federal government.
According to reports from TMZ, Guzmán looked “stunned” after receiving his sentence. As he was escorted out of the courtroom, he gave his wife, Emma Coronel, a thumbs up before leaving.
The conditions of his sentence are unclear. In previous months, judges ruled against giving him more recreation time and allowing him to have access to general population commissary.
Law enforcement has been careful in handling Guzmán during his stay in the United States. He was initially arrested and held in a Mexican jail back in 2014. After spending a year in custody, he was able to escape through an underground tunnel. He was eventually captured again 2016 before being brought to the U.S. in 2017.
