Mexico begins legal process against Guzman’s security chief

Bullet holes riddle the walls of the second floor of the home that marines raided in their search for Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman in Los Mochis, Mexico, Monday, Jan. 11, 2016. On Friday, Guzman and his security chief traveled several blocks through the city’s storm sewer system, accessed under the home, before popping out in the middle of an intersection. Federal police eventually found them on a highway outside of town, ending Guzman’s flight six months after his escape from the same maximum security prison where he now sits. AP

MEXICO CITY — A federal court has begun criminal proceedings against Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s security chief, who was captured with him last week after a gun battle that killed five gunmen and wounded a marine.

Ivan Gastelum Avila, known as “El Cholo Ivan,” faces charges of drug trafficking, arms possession and the murder of a soldier in a 2013 confrontation, according to a statement Thursday. Gastelum fled the house in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, during the firefight and escaped through the storm drains with Guzman. Both were later apprehended on a highway outside of town.

READ: Police recall chaotic night of ‘El Chapo’s’ escape

The attorney general’s office also reported the arrest of Mauricio Sanchez Garza for extradition to Texas. According to authorities, he is one of the financial operators of Guzman’s Sinaloa cartel. He faces charges of extortion and money laundering.

READ: Mexico beefs up prison to deter another Guzman escape