Music Exec Granted Bond Pending Appeal of Cartel Convictions

In a significant development, music executive Ángel Del Villar has been granted bond while he appeals his convictions for doing business with Mexican drug cartels. Del Villar, who founded the successful Del Records label, was scheduled to begin serving a 4-year prison sentence on December 1st, 2025. However, a federal judge has now allowed him to remain free on bond during the appellate process, which can take over a year to resolve.

The judge sided with Del Villar's attorneys, who argued that his appeal raises "sufficiently arguable points" about the jury instructions, particularly regarding the "deliberate ignorance" instruction. The judge acknowledged that while she did not see any error in her own rulings or instructions, the question of the deliberate ignorance instruction is "fairly debatable" and could potentially persuade an appellate court.

Del Villar, 41, was convicted in June 2022 on 10 counts of violating the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, as well as one conspiracy charge. Prosecutors claimed he had repeatedly arranged concerts with a Guadalajara-based promoter with cartel ties. Superstar Gerardo Ortiz even testified against Del Villar, saying he had seen the promoter at the Del Records offices.

Despite the convictions, Del Villar's attorneys argue he was "manipulated" into working with the cartel-linked promoter by a former trusted employee. They believe they have a strong case on appeal, particularly regarding the judge's instructions to the jury on the "deliberate ignorance" standard.