Angel Del Villar, CEO of Del Records, stands trial in Los Angeles, facing serious charges of illegally conducting business with a concert promoter linked to drug cartels. The trial, which began on March 18, 2025, has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants and the gravity of the allegations.
In the opening statements, Del Villar’s attorney, Marissa Goldberg, outlined a defense strategy that focuses on accusations against a former company vice president, Brian Gutierrez. Goldberg claims that Gutierrez acted as a compliance officer for the label, convincing Del Villar that all business practices were legally acceptable. Moreover, she argued that Gutierrez was a paid informant for the FBI, alleging he manipulated the situation in a bid to undermine Del Villar.
The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Schwab, countered with assertions that former Del Records artist Gerardo Ortiz has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and will testify against Del Villar. Prosecutors claim that in 2018, Ortiz was warned by the FBI about continuing to perform for Jesus “Chucho” Pérez Alvear, a promoter designated as a drug trafficker. However, with encouragement from Del Villar, Ortiz allegedly continued to perform for Pérez, ultimately playing 19 additional concerts, defying the FBI's warning.
Schwab disclosed that Ortiz’s collaboration with the FBI is part of a broader investigation, stating, “Gerardo Ortiz has himself pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transact [with] a specially designated narcotics trafficker, one of the crimes the defendants in this trial are charged with.” He elaborated that Ortiz would recount how Del Villar directed him to ignore legal advisories regarding Pérez.
Furthermore, prosecutors asserted that Gutierrez had initiated contact with the FBI to expose illegal actions at Del Records. They claimed that Gutierrez provided incriminating evidence, including voicemails and text messages, implicating Del Villar and others. Schwab pointed out, “Eventually, [Gutierrez] also became what’s called a confidential human source for the FBI.”
Goldberg strongly disputed the credibility of Gutierrez, suggesting that he harbored ambitions for notoriety and had positioned himself to gain favor with federal investigators. She emphasized that Gutierrez’s informer status derived from a manipulation scheme he orchestrated against Del Records: “There is something deeply wrong and manipulative about how this case was created and investigated,” she stated, indicating her belief that the true culprits were not in the courtroom.
As the trial unfolds, the relationships within the music industry have become under scrutiny. Ortiz, known for his songs glorifying the drug trade, was the label’s most prominent artist and shared a complex history with Del Villar. He parted ways with the label in 2019 amid a contract dispute, and their subsequent legal battles have now been consolidated into one case.
Since his departure from Del Records, Ortiz has faced his own challenges. His dealings with the FBI had initially remained confidential until they were revealed during the trial, with prosecutors noting, “Ortiz will tell you about his experience meeting with the FBI, being told he could no longer perform in concerts that Chucho [promoted].”
Del Villar’s defense hinges on portraying Gutierrez in a negative light while asserting Del Villar’s innocence. Del Villar, who has expanded his reach beyond music into sports and restaurant businesses, has claimed throughout the proceedings that he trusted Gutierrez to manage the compliance aspect of his operations.
The implications of the trial extend beyond typical legal boundaries due to the serious nature of the alleged crimes. If Del Villar is convicted of violating the Kingpin Act, he faces a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison. The high stakes have captured attention not only in legal circles but also within the entertainment industry.
As proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how much weight Ortiz’s testimony will carry and what further insights will emerge regarding Del Villar’s operations. Observers of the trial are keen to understand whether the jury will believe that Del Villar was complicit or simply misled by a trusted associate.
This case serves as a crucial intersection between the music industry and the legal ramifications of associations with drug trafficking. As the trial unfolds, each element—testimonies, evidence, and the interplay between allegations and defenses—will be pivotal in determining the outcome for Del Villar and the future of Del Records.
In an industry where image and reputation are paramount, the consequences of this trial could have far-reaching implications not only for Del Villar and Ortiz but for the wider perceptions of the genre of música Mexicana itself as it grapples with its ties to the drug trade.
