U.S. Seeks Over Six Years in Prison for Del Records CEO Ángel del Villar for Sanctions Violations

Federal authorities are seeking a prison term exceeding six years for Ángel del Villar, CEO of Del Records, following his conviction related to dealings with individuals connected to Mexican drug cartels. Prosecutors have requested a sentence of 78 months (approximately 6.5 years), along with three years of supervised release and a $300,000 fine, for violating the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act — legislation prohibiting U.S. involvement with sanctioned drug traffickers. In their sentencing submission, the government emphasized that a strict penalty would reaffirm that deliberate violations of sanctions laws carry serious repercussions. They stated that del Villar was aware of the sanctions imposed due to alleged money laundering activities linked to a notorious criminal organization, yet he failed to accept responsibility. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for next week. Prosecutors allege that del Villar repeatedly coordinated concerts with Jesús Pérez Alvear, a promoter with connections to Mexican cartels. During a trial in March, regional Mexican star Gerardo Ortiz testified that he had seen Pérez Alvear at the Del Records offices and performed at one of his concerts....