Overview
- Brooklyn’s federal court, acting on a joint request from prosecutors and the defense on Friday, reset Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s sentencing to Monday, May 18.
- Judge Brian Cogan granted a second postponement after an earlier move from January to April, with both sides saying key sentencing filings were not ready.
- Defense attorney Frank Pérez said violence in Sinaloa has slowed the gathering of mitigating evidence, including reaching witnesses, securing letters, and obtaining records.
- Zambada pleaded guilty on August 25, 2025 to major drug, money, and weapons charges, and he now faces a likely life term under federal guidelines after prosecutors removed the death penalty option.
- Prosecutors have viewed Zambada as a potential cooperator who could speak to narco‑corruption in Mexico, a prospect that has loomed since his July 2024 arrival in U.S. custody.