**Mexican Cartel Member Who Faked Death Arrested in California**

A senior figure in the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, who allegedly staged his own death and assumed a fake identity, has been apprehended in California and now faces federal charges, the US Justice Department disclosed on Thursday.

Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, reported to be the son-in-law of the cartel's leader El Mencho, was evading Mexican authorities when he fled to the United States. Prosecutors revealed that Gutierrez-Ochoa adopted a false identity and settled into a luxurious apartment in Riverside before being arrested earlier this month. The 37-year-old is accused of international drug trafficking and money laundering.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the impact of this arrest on the cartel, stating, "The Jalisco Cartel - one of the world's most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations - is weaker today because of the tenacious efforts of law enforcement to track down and arrest a cartel leader who allegedly faked his own death and assumed a false identity to evade justice and live a life of luxury in California."

Prosecutors detailed that prior to his disappearance, Gutierrez-Ochoa orchestrated the movement and distribution of a staggering 40,000 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to the United States. Furthermore, he allegedly kidnapped two Mexican Navy members in an attempt to free El Mencho's wife, his mother-in-law, after she was detained by Mexican authorities.

The scheme allegedly had the backing of El Mencho, who told associates he had killed Gutierrez-Ochoa for dishonesty, allowing his son-in-law to flee to California and reunite with El Mencho's daughter. The Justice Department had previously charged El Mencho in 2022 with the production and distribution of fentanyl intended for the US market. Despite these charges, El Mencho remains at large, and the State Department has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his capture and/or conviction.

This arrest marks a significant blow to the Jalisco Cartel's operations, shedding light on the lengths to which its members will go to evade justice.