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Jalisco Cartel Co-Founder Pleads Guilty, Faces Life Sentence

4/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Erick Valencia Salazar, co-founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, pleaded guilty to a federal narcotics conspiracy charge in Washington, D.C.
He faces a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to life.
Valencia Salazar, 49, previously associated with the Milenio Cartel, helped form the Jalisco cartel with the late El Mencho, focusing on recruitment and intelligence.
Prosecutors stated his actions fueled violence in Mexico and regional instability.
He was recaptured by the Mexican Army in 2022 after a 2017 release due to procedural issues, with sentencing scheduled for July 31.

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Story summary

Erick Valencia Salazar, co-founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, pleaded guilty to a federal narcotics conspiracy charge in Washington, D.C.
He faces a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to life.
Valencia Salazar, 49, previously associated with the Milenio Cartel, helped form the Jalisco cartel with the late El Mencho, focusing on recruitment and intelligence.
Prosecutors stated his actions fueled violence in Mexico and regional instability.
He was recaptured by the Mexican Army in 2022 after a 2017 release due to procedural issues, with sentencing scheduled for July 31.