Erick Valencia Salazar, a California resident, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., to federal narcotics conspiracy charges.
Valencia Salazar co-founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) with Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” The cartel is notorious for its violent operations and drug trafficking activities across Mexico.
Facing a mandatory minimum of 10 years and maximum life sentence, Valencia Salazar admitted to conspiring to distribute cocaine for U.S. importation in an operation that resulted in significant harm both domestically and internationally.
The CJNG has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S., with prosecutors highlighting its role in destabilizing communities and fueling crime throughout Mexico.
Valencia Salazar was apprehended twice previously in Mexico, first in 2012 and then released due to procedural issues. He was recaptured in February 2025 near where “El Mencho” was killed by Mexican forces.
The U.S. State Department offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Valencia Salazar’s arrest or conviction. Following the death of “El Mencho,” violence erupted across 20 Mexican states, resulting in over 70 fatalities, including 25 Mexican National Guard troops.