Mexican singer Gerardo Ortiz admits to performing for Cartel Jalisco in US court amid federal investigation

Gerardo Ortiz pleads guilty to performing for Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, cooperating in a U.S. federal case.

Mexican regional music star Gerardo Ortiz has admitted in a U.S. court to performing at concerts linked to Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), a powerful criminal organization. Ortiz’s testimony is part of the federal case against Ángel del Villar, executive director of DEL Records, who faces charges related to financial dealings with drug traffickers.

Ortiz’s confession came as he cooperated with the FBI, revealing that he performed at six concerts organized by promoter Jesús Pérez Alvear, who had ties to CJNG. Despite receiving an official FBI warning in 2018 about Pérez Alvear’s connections to drug trafficking, Ortiz allegedly continued to perform at cartel-affiliated events, with prosecutors citing at least 19 additional performances.

During the March 18, 2025, court proceedings, federal prosecutor Alexander Schwab confirmed Ortiz’s ongoing cooperation, stating, “Gerardo Ortiz is cooperating with the authorities and will testify against Del Villar.” The case aims to expose links between the music industry and organized crime, shedding light on the financial operations behind these performances.

Ortiz, born in Pasadena, California, rose to fame as a child and became one of the most prominent figures in the música regional genre. However, his career has faced multiple controversies, including previous arrests and accusations of glorifying violence in his music.

The trial highlights the impact of the Kingpin Act, which prohibits U.S. citizens from conducting business with designated drug traffickers. By continuing to work with cartel-affiliated figures, Ortiz now faces legal consequences that could alter his career.

Meanwhile, promoter Pérez Alvear, a key figure in the case, was murdered in December 2024, raising further security concerns for those entangled in organized crime investigations.

Ortiz’s future remains uncertain as he navigates legal proceedings, while his testimony is expected to play a critical role in determining the fate of Ángel del Villar.