Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, 76, is negotiating a plea deal with U.S. federal prosecutors in Brooklyn to avoid a trial that could result in the death penalty.

Arrested in New Mexico in July after decades on the run, Zambada faces 17 counts of drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and money laundering.

During a hearing, he chose to keep his lawyer despite a conflict of interest involving his son, who may testify against him.

The Sinaloa cartel, under Zambada’s leadership, expanded into fentanyl manufacturing, contributing to widespread distribution in the U.S, ABC News has reported.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for April 22.

Written by B.C. Begley