Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, Wife of Jalisco Cartel Founder 'El Mencho,' to Get Early Release From Prison

Rosalinda González Valencia — Also known as "La Jefa," Valencia was arrested in November of 2021; she has been married to "El Mencho" since 1996 Image via Pulso SLP

Nearly four years after being arrested by Mexican law enforcement in the city of Zapopan, Jalisco, a federal judge approved an early release for Rosalinda González Valencia, who is the wife of Nemesio Oseguera González alias "El Mencho," founder and leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).

During a hearing on Jan. 29, Valencia's lawyers told criminal-court judge Perla Fabiola Ayala Estrada that their client had already served more than half of her sentence and thanks to her good conduct, she had earned the right to request for an early release.

Valencia has been behind bars since November of 2021 when she was arrested for various crimes linked to her husband's illicit operations as well as to the criminal group known as "Los Cuinis," which is led by her brothers.

Valencia has a long history with law enforcement. Back in 2018, she was arrested for the first time and taken to a correction center for women in the state of Morelos after a warrant accused her of organized crime and money laundering. Shortly after, she was set free after a judge did not find enough evidence to keep her behind bars.

In 2023, she was again charged with money laundering and sentenced to five years in prison. Moe concretely, Valencia was accused of hiding income "with the knowledge that it came from illicit activities or products."

Federal sources told Mexican media outlet Proceso that Valencia's early release order will only go into effect once it is approved by a higher court. That is why Mexico's Attorney General's Office is now preparing an appeal against Valencia's early release.

Also known as "La Jefa," Valencia is not the only family member of "El Mencho" who is currently behind bars. Last November, American authorities arrested Cristian Gutiérrez-Ochoa, "El Mencho's" son-in-law, in California. Earlier in 2024, Mexican officials secured the arrest of Abraham Oseguera —one of his brothers— in the state of Jalisco.

Additionally, Rubén Oseguera —one of El Mencho's sons— is currently serving his sentence in a U.S. prison since being extradited back in 2020.