Mexican cartel member arrested after 'faking his own death to live life of luxury in California' By ADRY TORRES FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 15:53 EST, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 16:02 EST, 21 November 2024 e-mail View comments A high-ranking member of a Mexican cartel was arrested in Riverside, California , where he had been living the luxe life under a false identity after after faking his own death, federal authorities announced. Cristian Gutiérrez, 37, who is married to the daughter of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera, faces drug-trafficking and money-laundering charges.
Gutiérrez, who is said to have been working for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel since about 2014, 'allegedly directed the importation of tons of methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States and engaged in violence to aid the cartel’s criminal activities,' the US Department of Justice said in a statement. He coordinated the 'transportation and distribution of approximately 40,000 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine in Mexico , all destined for the United States,' the agency added. Gutiérrez faces 10 years to life in prison for the drug trafficking charge and a maximum of 20 years for money laundering.
'The Jalisco Cartel — one of the world's most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations — is weaker today because of the tenacious efforts of law enforcement to track down and arrest a cartel leader who alleg.