Ovidio Guzman's Lawyer Slams Mexico's Sheinbaum Over Criticism Of Plea Deal With U.S.: 'She Acts As The PR Arm Of a Narco Organization'

Jeffrey Lichtman, attorney for cartel leader Ovidio Guzman Lopez, slammed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as the two trade barbs following his client's plea deal with U.S. authorities.

Sheinbaum had called on Friday for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to share information regarding the arrest of Guzman and that of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, considering the incident has led to a bloody turf war between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, which has been raging for a year.

"It is important that information is provided. They must have all the information and our attorney general is requesting all information related to the case," she said. The president added that her government does not defend cartel leaders, but emphasized it's key to know the extent of the agreement reached by Guzman Lopez and U.S. authorities.

Lichtman, however, called the request "absurd," saying the U.S. does not need to inform Mexico every time it negotiates with a cartel leader. He illustrated his claim by recalling the case of former Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos, accused by the U.S. of protecting criminal organizations.

He recalled that, following pressure from the Mexican government, Cienfuegos returned to the country only to be exonerated and all evidence gathered by the DEA dismissed.

Asked about the comment, Sheinbaum said the statement was "disrespectful," prompting Lichtman to answer again. "Apparently the president of Mexico is displeased with my truthful comments about her corrupt office and government."

"She can call as many hastily convened press conferences as she likes, but the people of Mexico (and myself) know that she acts more as the public relations arm of a narcotics trafficking organization than as the honest leader that the Mexican people deserve. I'll have more to say on this shortly," he added.

The clash comes after Guzman Lopez, son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, pleaded guilty to four charges as part of a historic agreement with U.S. authorities. They are drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges related to his role as leader of the Sinaloa Cartel faction known as "Los Chapitos."

Ovidio has become the the first son cartel leader "El Chapo" to admit guilt in a U.S. court. According to witnesses, Guzmán arrived dressed in prison orange and shackles, acknowledging his leadership of the "Chapitos" faction, which prosecutors say flooded U.S. streets with "staggering" quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

As part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Guzmán has agreed to cooperate "substantially" and may receive a significantly reduced sentence. Reports indicate the deal could save him from a likely life sentence, contingent on the value of his cooperation.

According to ABC Chicago, he has also agreed to pay $80 million as part of the arrangement. His sentencing has been deferred while he fulfills cooperation obligations.

Legal experts suggest his insider testimony could be pivotal in dismantling cartel cells, potentially implicating other traffickers and corrupt officials or "political protectors" who enabled cartel activity. The U.S. Justice Department sees this as a strategic blow to the Sinaloa Cartel leadership, especially amid fragmenting internal power structures following betrayals like the arrest of "El Mayo" Zambada.

Ovidio also reportedly negotiated the protection of several family members, 17 of whom crossed the border into the U.S. earlier this year. Among those crossing into U.S. territory through the San Ysidro border crossing was Griselda López, Ovidio's mother and El Chapo's former wife.