US Prosecution Files Sentencing Response in El Mayo Case — April 13 Hearing Imminent

April 6, 2026 marks the court-ordered deadline for the US government prosecution to file its sentencing memorandum response in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY Brooklyn) case against Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada García. The defense submitted its sentencing memorandum on March 30. Judge Brian Cogan has scheduled El Mayo's sentencing for April 13, 2026 — a date that will mark the formal legal closure of the Sinaloa Cartel co-founder's 50-year criminal career. El Mayo pleaded guilty to leading a continuing criminal enterprise (CCE) and RICO violations and faces a mandatory minimum of life imprisonment plus a $15 billion money forfeiture — the largest criminal forfeiture ever sought against a drug trafficker. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the case as a 'landmark victory.' Defense attorney Frank Pérez confirmed there is no cooperation agreement, and has previously cited ongoing cartel violence in Sinaloa as making safe witness gathering impossible.