DEA Names El Mencho’s Stepson as CJNG Leader

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has identified Juan Carlos Valencia González, the stepson of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," as the new leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Valencia González had been on United States law enforcement's radar since 2021, and the Mexican government publicly identified him in 2020 as the leader of the cartel's highest-ranking group.

The Reported Succession

Also known as "Pelón," "El R-3," "Tricky Tres," and "03," Valencia González has reportedly ascended to head the CJNG in recent days following the killing of his stepfather, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Background of the New Alleged Leader

Juan Carlos Valencia is the son of Rosalinda González Valencia, known as "La Jefa," who was released last year from a Mexican prison after being sentenced in 2023 for organized crime related to drug trafficking and money laundering. He is not a direct biological descendant of "El Mencho."

Valencia González was born in Santa Ana, California, on September 12, 1984, granting him both U.S. and Mexican citizenship. He is 1.75 meters tall, weighs 77 kilograms, and has brown eyes.

According to the U.S. State Department, "El R-3" was identified by the DEA as responsible for the manufacture, transport, and distribution of tons of narcotics.

Previous Identification by Mexican Authorities

On the Mexican side, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval presented an analysis of a video published on the birthday of "El Mencho." The video showed an armed group firing shots and shouting slogans such as: "Señor Mencho," "Puro Grupo Élite," "Arriba el 3," and "Doble R."

According to the presentation at the presidential morning conference on July 20, 2020, "El 03" was at that time the leader of the so-called "Elite Group" of the CJNG. This group emerged in 2019 and was considered by the Mexican Defense Department to be unique of its kind.

U.S. Charges and Reward

The United States has been actively seeking the stepson of "El Mencho." Since October 8, 2020, Juan Carlos Valencia has been formally charged in the District Court of Columbia with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance to the United States and the use of a firearm during a narcotics transaction.

In December 2021, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a reward of five million dollars for information leading to his arrest. This reward has resurfaced in public attention following reports of his alleged new leadership role within the CJNG.