In a dramatic turn of events in the world of regional Mexican music, singer Gerardo Ortiz has found himself in legal hot water after confessing to links with a promoter associated with drug cartels. This revelation unfolds in the ongoing trial against Ángel Del Villar, the executive director of Del Records, who is accused of violating the Kingpin Act—a U.S. federal law aimed at dismantling drug trafficking operations.
On March 17, 2025, the trial commenced in a federal court in California as Ortiz, the label's prominent artist, took the stand and declared his guilt concerning conspiracy charges. He admitted to collaborating with Jesús 'Chucho' Pérez Alvea, a promoter whom the FBI had previously identified as a narcotraficante—a designation that prohibits U.S. citizens from engaging in business with him.
According to a report from Rolling Stone, Ortiz initially contemplated ceasing his professional relationship with Pérez after FBI agents warned him in 2018 about the promoter's criminal status. However, he ultimately succumbed to pressure from Del Villar, continuing with 19 additional concerts organized by Pérez that allegedly served to launder money for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
“Ortiz will recount his experience with the FBI, where he was warned that he could no longer perform at events promoted by Jesús,” stated Alexander Schwab, the Assistant U.S. Attorney overseeing the case. “He will explain that it was Del Villar who instructed him to disregard the warning and to keep performing.”
The investigation into Del Villar, arrested along with Del Entertainment’s CFO Luca Scalisi in June 2022, intensifies as Ortiz’s confession provides pivotal evidence against him. The legal ramifications are severe; if convicted, Del Villar could face up to 30 years in prison.
The Kingpin Act, established in 1999, allows for stringent penalties against individuals and entities that conduct business with designated drug traffickers. This act aims to incapacitate the financial structure of drug cartels by limiting their access to resources and networks.
Documents during the trial unveiled that in April 2018, Ortiz performed at a concert organized by Pérez, which amounts to a direct violation of the Kingpin Act. Court documents indicate that Del Villar’s credit card was used to finance a private jet that transported Ortiz from California to Aguascalientes, Mexico, for the show. This performance was among several others held in Baja California, Guanajuato, and Chiapas between 2018 and 2019, all orchestrated under the oversight of Del Villar and Pérez.
As the scandal unfolds, Ortiz's future hangs in the balance. His confession not only implicates him in illicit activities but also propels the investigation into Del Villar forward. The music industry, known for its connections with various realms—both legal and illegal—now faces increased scrutiny in light of these revelations.
With his name surfacing in the courtroom, Ortiz is positioned as a crucial witness against his former label head and promoter. As the trial of Del Villar progresses, the result of Ortiz's plea could significantly influence the overall legal landscape regarding drug-related prosecutions in the music industry.
Continuing to draw attention, the courtroom sessions have attracted media coverage and public interest, revealing the tight-knit relationships within the regional music scene and their potential ties to criminal activity. This situation raises pressing questions about the ethics and responsibilities of artists in regard to their collaborations with promoters and the entities they represent.
As the trial progresses, the implications of Ortiz's involvement and the broader ramifications for the musical landscape become increasingly evident. Observers await further details as the case unfolds in Los Angeles, with the music community on edge as it confronts the untidy nexus between art and crime.
The outcome of this case is still unclear, but it has stirred conversations about the responsibilities that artists have in verifying the legitimacy of their professional partnerships.
