News Summary
José Ángel Del Villar, CEO of Del Records, has been found guilty of serious drug trafficking charges, marking a significant scandal in the Latin music industry. The conviction includes multiple counts under the Kingpin Act, all linked to his dealings with a notorious music promoter connected to drug cartels. With substantial financial penalties looming for his company, the case raises pressing questions about the intersection of the music world and criminal enterprises.
Huntington Beach Music CEO Found Guilty of Serious Drug Links
In a shocking turn of events for the music industry, José Ángel Del Villar, a 44-year-old resident of Huntington Beach, has been convicted of serious charges related to drug trafficking connections. As the head of Del Records and Del Entertainment Inc., a well-known Latin music conglomerate and talent agency, Del Villar was found guilty on March 27 of conspiracy to conduct transactions in properties linked to specially designated narcotics traffickers. But that’s not all—he faced not one, but ten counts of violating the Kingpin Act.
Understanding the Kingpin Act
The Kingpin Act is a significant U.S. law that prohibits individuals and companies from doing business with people and entities already sanctioned due to drug trafficking activities. This means that by continuing to work with those connected to illegal drug operations, Del Villar and his company were breaking the law on multiple fronts.
The Connection with Jesús Pérez Alvear
Del Villar and his co-defendants were involved with Jesús Pérez Alvear, a music promoter based in Guadalajara, Mexico. Known to many as Chucho, Pérez Alvear had connections to notorious drug trafficking organizations, including the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the Los Cuinis group. In fact, Pérez Alvear was specifically designated as a specially designated narcotics trafficker by the U.S. Treasury Department back in April 2018.
Despite the serious legal implications, Del Villar and his company reportedly continued to promote and organize concerts through Pérez until March 2019. It’s hard to believe that they didn’t know that this was against the law.
Consequences and Sentencing
The case has drawn significant attention from authorities, with the acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally emphasizing the detrimental effects of drug cartels on society. Prosecutors are making it clear that they are committed to holding those who enable these organizations accountable. Del Villar’s sentencing is set for August 15, and he could face a maximum of 30 years for each count of conspiracy and Kingpin Act violations.
As for Del Entertainment, the charges resulted in a guilty verdict for all 11 counts, and the company now faces five years of probation alongside a potential fine of a staggering $10 million for each count. It’s a heavy price to pay for misconceived partnerships.
The Unfortunate Fate of Pérez Alvear
In a twist of fate, Jesús Pérez Alvear was murdered in December 2024 in Mexico. This comes after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges as well. His connections to drug trafficking organizations have left behind a trail of devastation and crime that continues to loom over the music industry.
What’s Next for Co-Defendant Luca Scalisi?
Looking ahead, one co-defendant, Luca Scalisi, a 58-year-old from West Hollywood, has pleaded not guilty to his charges and is awaiting a separate trial scheduled for July 2025. As the legal drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the broader Latin music scene and what repercussions there will be for those operating on the fringes of legality.
As the situation continues to develop, one thing is clear: the world of music, particularly in the vibrant Latin genre, must now grapple with the implications of these serious charges. With the stakes so high and the consequences so dire, it’s a stark reminder that illegal dealings can often hide in the spotlight, waiting to catch even the most successful names off guard.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Latin Music CEO Found Guilty
- MLex: Latin Music Mogul Convicted
- Daily News: LAPD Sergeant Arrested
- Wikipedia: Kingpin Act
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
