CHICAGO – A reputed associate of Mexican cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera has pleaded guilty to helping move more than $1.5 million in drug money between the U.S. and Mexico.
Edgar Manuel Valencia Ortega entered the plea Wednesday in Chicago federal court. The Chicago Tribune reports that he admitted to laundering money related to the sale of cocaine in Chicago and Los Angeles. Prosecutors say Valencia Ortega isn’t expected to face other charges in connection with importing the drug.
U.S. authorities say the 28-year-old Valencia Ortega’s nickname was “the Fox.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and is to be sentenced Aug. 3.
Valencia Ortega was arrested in Las Vegas in 2014 and brought to Chicago, where other alleged Guzmán Loera subordinates have been charged.
Guzmán Loera is leader of the Sinaloa cartel. He was captured in January.
