Gerardo Ortiz Takes the Stand Against Cartel-Linked Shows at Del Records
Gerardo Ortiz, a well-known singer, took the stand in a Los Angeles federal court to testify against his former boss, Angel Del Villar, the CEO of Del Records. This high-profile case dates back to 2022, when Del Villar was charged with violating a federal law that prohibits U.S. residents and companies from engaging in business with known drug traffickers and their associates.
The Allegations and Warnings
The allegations against Del Villar stem from a criminal complaint filed three years ago, which claimed that an FBI agent informed Ortiz in 2018 at the Phoenix airport that his music promoter, Jesus “Chucho” Pérez Alvear, had connections to criminal organizations in Mexico. Treasury officials revealed that Pérez Alvear was involved in laundering drug money for the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion and Los Cuinis.
Ortiz was explicitly warned not to conduct any business with Pérez Alvear, as he had been sanctioned by U.S. officials as a “specially designated narcotics trafficker.” Despite this warning, Ortiz admitted in court that he performed at the 2018 Feria de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico, fully aware of Pérez Alvear’s status.
Ortiz’s Confession and Cooperation
As a former signee of Del Records from 2009 to 2019, Ortiz has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in connection to the case. Now, he is cooperating with U.S. officials as a key witness in the trial against Del Villar. Pérez Alvear met a tragic end in December 2024, as he was fatally shot at a restaurant in Mexico City.
Del Villar’s Defense and Accusations
Marissa Goldberg, Del Villar’s defense attorney, argued in court that her client was misled by his former employee, Brian Gutierrez, into believing that his business was operating legally. She claimed that Gutierrez collaborated with FBI officials to create a situation to take down Del Villar, whom they perceived as a top figure in the industry.
Prosecutors, on the other hand, alleged that Del Villar was the one who influenced Ortiz to defy the FBI’s warning and continue working with Pérez Alvear. The CEO’s alleged motivation was the financial gain he stood to receive from the successful showcases organized by the music promoter.
The Legal Battle and Past Feuds
Del Records, the label founded by Del Villar in 2008, has a history of legal disputes, including a bitter feud with Ortiz, who hails from Pasadena. Ortiz, who gained notoriety for appearing in a controversial music video, was once arrested in Mexico on charges of “criminal exaltation” due to the video’s content.
In 2019, Ortiz and Del Villar sued each other, leveling accusations of fraud and other misconduct. The label faced scrutiny when the FBI raided its Bell Gardens offices in 2020, seeking records related to Ortiz.
As this high-profile case unfolds in court, the intricacies of the music industry’s entanglement with criminal elements come to light. The testimony of key witnesses like Ortiz sheds a revealing light on the inner workings of the entertainment business and its dealings with illicit networks. The legal battle continues, with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence to the jury. It remains to be seen how this saga will ultimately unfold, impacting the lives and careers of those involved.
