Alleged Mexican kingpin 'El Mayo' sticks with US lawyer who represented son

Accused Mexican kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada listens to the court interpreter as he holds his earpiece as the judge questions him about possible attorney conflicts as he sits next to lawyer Frank Perez during a hearing at court in New York, U.S., January 15, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The accused Mexican kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada on Wednesday decided to stick with the lawyer defending him from U.S. drug trafficking charges despite a possible conflict of interest.

Zambada's lawyer Frank Perez has also represented his son, Vicente Zambada Niebla, who prosecutors say could testify against him at trial. Zambada Niebla previously testified against Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who founded the notorious Sinaloa Cartel alongside Zambada.