Gerardo Ortiz testifies in court to performing cartel-linked shows while signed to Del Records
On Wednesday, Gerardo Ortiz attended a federal court in Los Angeles to provide testimony against his ex-boss, the CEO of Del Records, Angel Del Villar.
As a movie reviewer, here’s how I might rephrase it:
In the spotlight this week, I find myself reviewing an unexpected tale unfolding in the courtroom. The protagonist is none other than a prominent music executive, who finds himself at the heart of a captivating drama that dates back to 2022. He’s been accused of transgressions against federal law, specifically, engaging in business with individuals and entities known for their involvement in drug trafficking – a practice clearly forbidden under U.S. regulations. The stakes are high, and the outcome remains to be seen.
Three years ago, a criminal complaint stated that in 2018, Ortiz was told by an FBI agent at the Phoenix airport that Jesus “Chucho” Pérez Alvear, his Del Entertainment music promoter, was suspected of having ties to Mexican criminal groups.
At that point, representatives from the treasury department stated that Pérez Alvear was involved in washing illicit funds generated by the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion and an associated drug-trafficking organization known as Los Cuinis.
California
On Tuesday, the head of Del Records, a record company in Bell Gardens specializing in Latin music, faced charges for allegedly breaking a federal law by engaging in business dealings with individuals known to be involved in drug trafficking, which is illegal for U.S. residents and corporations.
Ortiz was warned against engaging in transactions with Pérez Alvear because American authorities have labeled him as a “designated trafficker of narcotics.
The performer known for “Para Qué Lastimarme” confessed in court that he took part in the 2018 Feria de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico, even after learning about Pérez Alvear’s situation, as reported by Univision.
From 2009 to 2019, Ortiz was contracted with Del Records. Currently, he has admitted guilt for conspiring in a particular case and is now working closely with U.S. authorities.
Pérez Alvear was killed by gunfire while at a Mexico City restaurant in December 2024.
In 2008, Del Villar established Del Records. Currently, he is facing charges for allegedly breaching the Kingpin Act due to his connection with Pérez Alvear. This law prevents individuals within the U.S. from entering into transactions or business dealings with individuals or entities subjected to sanctions by the Treasury Department.
Entretenimiento
The Mexican regional, urban, and pop styles came together at an event where each artist had the chance to excite the audience. Alejandra Espinoza served as the host.
Marissa Goldberg, representing Del Villar’s defense, stated in court this week that her client was deceived by ex-employee Brian Gutierrez into thinking his business was entirely lawful. Moreover, she asserted that Gutierrez colluded with FBI agents to create a trap to bring down someone they saw as successful, based on Rolling Stone’s reporting.
In the case at hand, it was argued by prosecutors that Del Villar had convinced Ortiz to disregard the FBI’s cautionary advice against collaborating with Pérez Alvear, the music promoter. This action, they claimed, was motivated by the potential financial gains Del Villar stood to receive from the success of these showcases as a CEO.
According to Goldberg, it was stated that Chucho Pérez had been designated as a drug trafficker. She further asserted that Brian Gutierrez then devised a plan to manipulate this information. Additionally, she alleged that Gutierrez secretly prevented a press release from being issued, which would have confirmed that Ortiz would not be performing at the 2018 Feria de San Marcos.
According to The Times’ report, Del Villar’s staff wrote a press statement back then, explaining that due to U.S. law, the company was compelled to refuse booking any events for individuals who had been designated as sanctioned by the Department of the Treasury.
Although the news release wasn’t disseminated, U.S. authorities eventually acquired the draft through a search warrant.
En Español
La disputa entre Del Records y Gerardo Ortiz va para largo.
According to Goldberg’s statement, it was Brian who halted the distribution of that press release. Instead, he reassured everyone by saying, “Let me handle it. I will reach out to our legal team. I promise to ensure all future actions are above board.
In the past, Del Records found himself embroiled in a fierce dispute with Ortiz, a native of Pasadena, who had previously been detained in Mexico for the offense of “inciting criminal behavior.” This arrest stemmed from his participation in a music video where he depicted a drug lord’s mistress being tied up, silenced, and placed in the trunk of a car, which was later ignited by Ortiz.
In 2019, Ortiz and Del Villar found themselves involved in a legal dispute, exchanging allegations of fraud and unprofessional behavior. The following year, when FBI agents conducted a raid on the label’s offices in Bell Gardens, their representative stated that the search was primarily focused on obtaining records related to Ortiz.
The Times has reached out to Ortiz’s representatives and Del Villar’s legal team for comment.
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2025-03-21 02:31