Co-Founder of Cartel Jalisco Terror Group Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

Erick 'El 85' Valencia Salazar faces minimum 10-year sentence for federal drug conspiracy

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:24am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violent tactics of Mexican drug cartels.A stark visual representation of the violent tactics employed by Mexico's powerful drug cartels.Santa Clara Today

A California man who was the co-founder of Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful and violent drug cartels, has pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges in a U.S. court. Erick 'El 85' Valencia Salazar, originally from Santa Clara, California, faces a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum of life for his role in the cartel's operations.

Why it matters

CJNG is considered a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government due to its widespread use of violence, including the use of explosives and paramilitary tactics, to establish control over drug trafficking routes. Valencia's plea deal and sentencing could provide insight into the inner workings of the cartel and potentially lead to further prosecutions of its leadership.

The details

Valencia pleaded guilty to one drug conspiracy charge, with federal prosecutors agreeing to dismiss various other charges that had been filed against him. He is expected to be sentenced on July 31. Valencia and his relatives had previously worked with other cartels before founding the Milenio Cartel, which later became CJNG under the leadership of co-founder Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes. Under El Mencho, CJNG quickly grew into one of Mexico's most feared cartels, known for its extreme violence, use of explosives, and even cannibalism of rivals.

  • Valencia pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court this week.
  • He is expected to be sentenced on July 31, 2026.

The players

Erick 'El 85' Valencia Salazar

A 49-year-old California man who was the co-founder of the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful and violent drug cartels.

Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes

The co-founder and supreme leader of CJNG, who was recently killed in a U.S.-led operation.

Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG)

One of Mexico's most powerful and violent drug cartels, known for its use of thousands of gunmen, widespread use of explosives, and even cannibalism of rivals. CJNG is considered a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.

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What’s next

Valencia is expected to be sentenced on July 31, where he faces a minimum 10-year term and a maximum of life in prison.

The takeaway

Valencia's plea deal and sentencing could provide valuable insights into the inner workings and leadership structure of the CJNG cartel, which has become one of the most feared and violent criminal organizations in Mexico. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the power of Mexico's drug cartels, which continue to pose a significant threat to regional security.