By Ricardo Lezama 
As we await more details, here’s what we know about Del Records.
José Ángel del Villar, CEO of Del Records, has been convicted by a federal jury in Los Angeles for violating the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. The conviction stems from his business dealings with Jesús “Chucho” Pérez Alvear, a Guadalajara-based concert promoter linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and Los Cuinis.
Background of the Case
Del Villar, 44, and his company, Del Entertainment Inc., were found guilty on one count of conspiracy and ten counts of violating the Kingpin Act. The charges relate to transactions conducted between April 2018 and March 2019, during which Del Villar arranged for Del Entertainment artists to perform at concerts promoted by Pérez Alvear, despite being aware of his designation as a “Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker” by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Del Villar continued business relations with Pérez Alvear even after explicit warnings from federal authorities. Notably, on April 19, 2018, FBI agents informed a well-known musician about Pérez Alvear’s designation, cautioning against further engagements. Despite this, the musician performed at a concert organized by Pérez Alvear on April 28, 2018, with Del Villar’s credit card used to finance travel arrangements. Department of Justice
Testimonies and Legal Proceedings
A pivotal moment in the trial was the testimony of Gerardo Ortiz, a prominent regional Mexican artist formerly associated with Del Records. Ortiz admitted to performing at events organized by Pérez Alvear, acknowledging that Del Villar persuaded him to continue these performances despite prior warnings from the FBI.
Del Villar’s defense argued that he was misled by Brian Gutiérrez, a former vice president at Del Records, who allegedly assured him that their dealings were legally compliant. However, the jury found sufficient evidence to convict Del Villar and his company on all counts, but we wonder who made up the jury in terms of demographics and bias.
Sentencing and Industry Impact
A Department of Justice press release and court records indicate that Del Villar faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2025. Del Entertainment Inc. faces a five-year probation period and a fine of up to $10 million.
This conviction marks a significant moment for the regional Mexican music scene, highlighting the industry’s vulnerabilities to criminal influences. Del Records, founded in 2008, has been instrumental in popularizing genres like narcocorridos and has launched the careers of artists such as Gerardo Ortiz, Fuerza Regida and Luis Coronel.