CNN —A high-ranking member of a Mexican drug cartel who allegedly faked his own death and has been living in California under a fake name is now facing federal charges, the US Justice Department announced Thursday. He also allegedly kidnapped two members of the Mexican Navy as part of an attempt to release his mother-in-law, El Mencho’s wife, after her arrest by Mexican authorities. El Mencho then allegedly helped Gutierrez-Ochoa fake his death to evade Mexican law enforcement by telling his associates that he had killed Gutierrez-Ochoa for lying. The Justice Department charged El Mencho in 2022 with leading the effort to manufacture and distribute fentanyl for importation into the US. He has not been arrested, and the State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.

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Persons: Cristian Fernando Gutierrez, Ochoa, El Mencho, Gutierrez, Lisa Monaco, El Organizations: CNN, US Justice Department, Jalisco Nueva Generación, —, Prosecutors, Mexican Navy, Justice Department, El, State Department Locations: Mexican, California, Jalisco, United States, Riverside, Mexico