The recent death of Nemesio, or "El Mencho," Oseguera Cervantes on Feb. 22, 2026, has had the underworld humming with calls for his successor. Local reports and intelligence circles have turned to Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, or "El Pelon," or "O3." Although the Mexican government still hasn’t officially appointed one new leader for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), “El Pelon” is the most likely heir apparent to a criminal empire that now stands at over $20 billion.
Who is 'El Pelon'?
Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez fills a unique role within the cartel’s hierarchy. Born on Sept. 12, 1984, in Santa Ana, Calif., he holds dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship. This background has reportedly complicated international efforts to trail him down, as he seamlessly moves in and out of digital and physical networks crossing the border.
Family Tie-In: He is the son of Rosalinda González Valencia (El Mencho's wife) and Armando Valencia Cornelio. His position as stepson of El Mencho gave him immediate entry into the cartel's inner sanctum.
- The “Grupo Elite” Connection: “El Pelón” is recognized as one of the main head members of Grupo Elite, the CJNG’s hyperviolent, paramilitary enforcement wing, which has released high-production social media videos featuring their armored cars and heavy weaponry.
- Criminal Charges: The U.S. Department of Justice currently suspects him of conspiracy to distribute massive amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin.
- The $5 Million Bounty: The U.S. Department of State has offered a reward of as much as $5 million for information that can lead to his arrest or conviction since Dec. 2021.
A Violent Power Struggle Looms
Though he is blood relatives of the “González Valencia” clan (the financial backbone of CJNG, the Los Cuinis are called), specialists caution that his rise is unlikely for peace. With El Mencho’s biological son, "El Menchito," serving a life sentence in the U.S., the path to leadership is littered with contending lieutenants.
Potential contenders include:
- Audias Flores Silva (“El Jardinero”): Head of operations in Michoacán and Nayarit.
- Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan (“El Sapo”): The strategist in control of profitable port operations.
- Ricardo Ruiz Velasco (“El Doble R”): Head of state who wields immense authority over the cartel’s military cells.
Current Situation in Jalisco
Since the military raid in Tapalpa that killed El Mencho, Mexico has witnessed an increase in retaliatory violence. Reports of roadblocks, vehicle fires, and clashes between security forces and cartel gunmen have also circulated across Jalisco, Michoacán, and Colima. If "El Pelón" is unable to quickly consolidate power, security analysts say the CJNG could break down into warring factions, reflecting the "internal civil war" that had diminished the capabilities of the Sinaloa Cartel following the arrest of El Chapo.
