Del Records CEO faces trial over drug trafficking charges

The CEO of Del Records, Angel Del Villar, is on trial in Los Angeles. He faces charges linked to illegal business dealings with a concert promoter alleged to have ties to drug cartels. Del Villar’s defense claims he was misled by a trusted employee, Brian Gutierrez. During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Gerardo Ortiz, a former top artist of Del Records, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and will testify against Del Villar. They argue that Del Villar encouraged Ortiz to continue performing for the promoter, despite an FBI warning telling him to stop. Prosecutors described how Ortiz was approached by FBI agents in 2018 about the promoter, Jesus “Chucho” Pérez Alvear, who was sanctioned under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Act. They allege that Del Villar was aware of the risks and ignored the warning for financial gain. Gutierrez is at the center of the trial, with prosecutors claiming he acted as a whistleblower and provided evidence to the FBI. Meanwhile, Del Villar’s lawyer argued that Gutierrez cannot be trusted, suggesting he had personal ambitions and manipulated the situation. The trial continues as both sides present their arguments. If convicted, Del Villar could face up to 30 years in prison.