The notorious Mexican drug lord known as "El Chapo" pleaded not guilty to charges in federal court in Brooklyn Friday. NY1's Michael Herzenberg filed the following report.
Heavily armed federal agents guarded Brooklyn Federal Court Friday, an extra layer of security protecting one of the world's most notorious drug lords inside.
In a 10-minute hearing, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman pleaded not guilty to a 17-count indictment that carries a mandatory minimum term of life in prison.
"Who is Chapo Guzman? In short, he's a man known for no other life but a life of crime, violence, death and destruction, and now, he'll have to answer to that," said Robert Capers, the U.S. attorney for the eastern district.
El Chapo wore a blue jumpsuit and had a bewildered look as he entered the courtroom and listened to U.S. Magistrate James Orenstein. Asked if he understood the charges, Guzman responded through a Spanish interpreter, "Well, I didn't know until now."
The Brooklyn indictment is one of a half dozen the feds have filed against El Chapo around the U.S., alleging more than a quarter century of crime, including murder, money laundering and trafficking more than 200 tons of cocaine, including in Brooklyn and Queens.
"We have, working with our partners, amassed a formidable case, including some 40 or so witnesses who provide an intricate look into this organization, the devastation that was wrought," Capers said.
El Chapo staged two spectacular escapes from Mexican prisons, one of them through a mile-long illegal tunnel, before being caught again. He was unexpectedly extradited to New York on Thursday after the U.S. government pledged not to seek the death penalty.
"As you looked into his eyes, you can see the surprise, you can see the shock and, to a certain extent, you can actually see the fear as the realization kicked in that he's about to face American justice," said Angel Melendez of the Department of Homeland Security.
Defense attorneys said they look forward El Chapo having his day in court.
"I haven't seen any evidence that indicates to me that Mr. Guzman's done anything wrong," said defense attorney Michael Schneider.
Prosecutors say El Chapo's trial will last several weeks. He is being held without bail until his next court appearance on February 3.