Cosa Nostra Boss Seeks to Live with El Chapo for Mental Health

UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Cosa Nostra boss James Sabatino has formally requested to live with notorious cartel leader Joaquín Guzmán, also known as El Chapo, in a bid to improve his deteriorating mental health. This unusual plea comes as both inmates are currently housed in the infamous ADX Florence facility in Colorado, a maximum-security prison known for its extreme isolation measures.

Sabatino, serving a 20-year sentence for orchestrating a $10 million racketeering scheme, claims that the conditions of his confinement have severely impacted his psychological well-being. His legal team argues that the hyper-restrictive environment, where inmates are confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day, is damaging. In court filings submitted on November 13, 2023, Sabatino’s attorney, Israel Encinosa, stated, “The conditions of extreme isolation… destroys anyone.”

The request seeks to allow the two men limited interaction during recreation time to offer each other mutual support. Currently, their contact is restricted to brief weekly opportunities for sunbathing, with Sabatino only able to communicate with lawyers and family members under strict conditions. Guzmán faces similar limitations, permitted to see only two of his daughters once a week and allowed just one 15-minute phone call.

Sabatino’s plea highlights the severe impacts of solitary confinement, which both he and Guzmán are reportedly experiencing. Encinosa describes their situations as unique, stating they are among the most restricted inmates not just at ADX, but across the entire United States. “By granting this request, the only thing that would change is that Mr. Guzmán and Mr. Sabatino would be able to recreate in their enclosed separate cages during the same period of time,” he said.

Earlier this year, a similar request was filed, suggesting that the two inmates should be allowed to “recreate in their enclosed separate cages.” Sabatino’s motion emphasizes the need for human connection, asserting, “They are human beings… they should be treated as human beings.”

This developing situation raises significant questions about the mental health implications of extreme isolation in prison settings. The court’s decision on the request could set a precedent for how inmates in similar situations are treated in the future.

As this story unfolds, all eyes are on the federal court, where Judge Joan Leonard will consider the implications of allowing these two high-profile inmates to interact more closely in a controlled environment. The outcome could have lasting effects on their mental health and possibly influence policies regarding inmate isolation across the United States.