Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "Tony Montana" and the brother of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho", pleaded guilty Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to federal drug trafficking and firearms charges as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that could allow for a future sentence reduction if he later provides substantial cooperation to authorities.
During the hearing, presided over by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, "Tony Montana" admitted that between 1998 and 2022 he participated in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States, first as a member of the Milenio Cartel and later as part of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Represented by attorney Frank Pérez, who also serves on the legal defense team for Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada García, Oseguera answered affirmatively when Judge Howell asked whether he understood the consequences of entering a guilty plea.
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Judge Howell warned the 68-year-old defendant that she is not required to follow the sentencing recommendations made by either the prosecution or the defense and that the final decision on his sentence rests solely with the court under federal law.
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"Tony Montana" Could Face Life in Prison
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors recommended a sentence ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment for the conspiracy to import cocaine and methamphetamine, along with a fine of up to $10 million.
For the second count, involving the use and carrying of firearms to protect drug shipments destined for the United States, the Department of Justice proposed a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
The plea agreement does not automatically alter the sentence Judge Howell will impose. However, after sentencing, prosecutors may seek a reduction if Oseguera provides substantial assistance in criminal investigations, a decision that would require both prosecutorial approval and judicial authorization.
Admits Helping Create CJNG Alongside "El Mencho"
During the hearing, Antonio Oseguera Cervantes also acknowledged that he and his brother helped establish the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in 2010 and worked alongside the criminal organization Los Cuinis to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine, obtain chemical precursors used to manufacture synthetic drugs, and control territories where clandestine drug laboratories operated.
He further admitted that between 2010 and 2022 he managed proceeds generated by drug sales in the United States and conducted money laundering operations through currency exchange businesses for the benefit of the CJNG. He acknowledged receiving proceeds from cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking and laundering those funds on behalf of the criminal organization.
Before formally entering his guilty plea, Oseguera told the court that he has not used drugs for the past 10 years and that he currently receives medical treatment only for hypertension and thyroid-related conditions.
Oseguera Cervantes appeared in court wearing the blue uniform issued to inmates at the federal prison in Alexandria, Virginia, where he has remained in custody since being transferred to U.S. authorities on Feb. 27, 2025, as part of a group of 27 alleged organized crime members handed over by the Mexican government.
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