Leader of Tijuana Cartel Pleads Guilty

Benjamin Arellano Felix, 58, former drug kingpin pleaded guilty Wednesday January 4, 2011 to federal racketeering and money-laundering conspiracy charges.

The organization, known as the Tijuana Cartel was Mexico's mist powerful organized crime group and the 16 year period ended with Felix's arrest in 2002.

The Tijuana cartel poured loads of drugs into California and generated profits that fueled a criminal empire that terrorized rivals, partnered with corrupt Mexican law enforcement officials and funded luxurious lifestyles.

Arellano Felix has pleaded guilty to the charges and he now faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. He potentially faced 140 years in prison.

The potential witnesses against Arellano Felix were a who's who of the cartel's upper ladder. All of the men were sentenced to at least 30 years in prison.

Although Arellano Felix could serve as little as 20 years, he would then be deported to Mexico, where he still has charges pending.

The cartel also recruited gang members from San Diego who were trained by Middle Eastern mercenaries.

As part of the plea agreement, four of the five counts in the original indictment were dismissed. Arellano Felix pleaded guilty to two charges: racketeering and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. He also agreed to forfeit $100 million.

Federal crimes such as money laundering, racketeering, and conspiracy are very serious and result in long term imprisonment. An experienced and aggressive Federal Defense Attorney can resolve your case or get the minimal penalties.

Our Los Angeles Federal Lawyers do everything we can to get our clients the best possible results. We have the knowledge and skill necessary to defend you in federal court.

If you are facing a federal crime, contact our Federal Attorneys in Los Angeles and set up a  free face to face consultation and we will discuss your case further and in more detail.