Daughter of Cartel Leader Runs Coffee Shop in California

The youngest daughter of notorious cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Cervantes, Laisha Oseguera Gonzalez, is running a coffee shop in Perris, California, while her family’s violent legacy looms in the background. The establishment, named El Rincon La Chulis, has garnered a reputation for its friendly atmosphere and diverse menu, including Iced Horchata Lattes and chilaquiles.

Gonzalez, just 24 years old, has kept a low profile since her father’s death during a military operation in Mexico on February 22, 2024. Locals visiting the coffee shop expressed surprise upon learning about her family’s connections to organized crime, emphasizing that the café feels like a typical neighborhood spot. “It’s a normal place, and she’s really nice. A normal, respectful person,” commented a regular patron, noting that Gonzalez rarely discusses her family background.

Despite her attempts to lead a quiet life, Gonzalez’s family history is anything but ordinary. Recent reports indicate that she is married to Cristian Gutierrez-Ochoa, a high-ranking member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Gutierrez-Ochoa, known by the alias “El Gaucho,” has faced serious criminal charges, including kidnapping and drug trafficking. He was arrested in 2024 and sentenced to 11 years in prison for his involvement in smuggling cocaine and methamphetamines into the United States.

Details surrounding Gutierrez-Ochoa’s criminal activities add a layer of complexity to Gonzalez’s life. He was accused of faking his death to evade law enforcement after a kidnapping incident linked to the arrest of Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, Gonzalez’s mother and El Mencho’s estranged wife. Valencia, who had been involved in laundering money for the cartel, was sentenced to five years in prison but was released in 2025.

The café itself, which opened in 2018, has received positive reviews online, highlighting its inviting decor and delicious offerings. However, a past incident involving Gonzalez reportedly raised eyebrows. A reviewer noted that she allegedly threw a drink at an elderly customer, causing a commotion that led to further scrutiny of her behavior.

Gonzalez’s family ties extend beyond her immediate circle. Her sister, Jessica Johana Oseguera Gonzalez, also has a troubled past. Convicted in the United States for money laundering, she funneled drug profits into various businesses in Mexico and served 25 months of a 30-month sentence before being released in March 2022. Jessica’s estranged husband, a senior cartel member, is rumored to be positioning himself as a potential successor to El Mencho’s leadership.

As violence and turmoil continue in Mexico following El Mencho’s death, with reports indicating at least 70 additional fatalities linked to cartel activities, Gonzalez remains focused on her business. While the café offers a stark contrast to the criminal undertakings associated with her family, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges she faces in distancing herself from a legacy of violence and crime.

Despite the shadow of her family’s notorious past, Laisha Oseguera Gonzalez continues to run her coffee shop, striving to carve out a new identity amid the chaos surrounding her.