'El Chapo' Guzman News: Sinaloa Cartel Leader Alfredo Vázquez Hernández Pleads Guilty to Drug Traficking

Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán Loera's right-hand-man, Alfredo Vázquez Hernández, has pled guilty to charges of drug trafficking in the United States. Hernández had originally stated he would plead guilty, however, earlier this year he retracted his statement out of fear for what might happen to his family. However, it seems that 'El Chapo's capture has prompted a change of heart for the Sinaloa Cartel leader's second in command and he has now confessed to his involvement in Guzmán's operation.

Alfredo Vázquez Hernández has pled guilty on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics in front of federal judge Rubén Castillo, according to the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Guilty plea was given under what is known as a "blind confession" in which there is no deal made with the attorney's office. Hernández could face up to 10 years in prison. Hernández, 58, has not cooperated with authorities and is facing consecutive sentencing.

Alfredo Vázquez Hernández is listed in the same case in Chicago against numerous Sinaloa Cartel members including "El Chapo" Guzmán, Ismael Zambada García and his son Jesús Vicente Zambada Niebla, along with eight others. According to officials, Zambada Niebla, known as "El Vicentillo" pled guilty to all charges in 2013 in secret. Edgar Manuel Valencia Ortega and Tomás Arévalo Rentería also pled guilty to trafficking charges.