Overview
- Defense attorney Frank A. Pérez filed the motion on December 9 in the Eastern District of New York, asking to move sentencing roughly 90 days to mid‑April 2026.
- The filing says heightened violence and instability in parts of Mexico are hindering efforts to contact witnesses and gather letters and documents for a mitigation-focused sentencing memorandum.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Navarro was notified and does not oppose the request, according to the defense.
- Zambada’s sentencing is currently scheduled for January 12, 2026 before Judge Brian M. Cogan, and he remains in U.S. federal custody.
- Zambada pleaded guilty on August 25, 2025 to drug trafficking and related offenses, leaving him exposed to a potential life sentence and substantial forfeiture orders.