Cosa Nostra Boss Seeks Life with El Chapo for Mental Health

UPDATE: A Cosa Nostra mafia boss has urgently requested to live with notorious cartel leader Joaquín Guzmán, known as El Chapo, in a bid to improve his mental health while imprisoned in ADX Florence, Colorado. James Sabatino, who is serving a 20-year sentence for a $10 million racketeering scheme, has been held in extreme isolation, leading to significant mental health concerns.

Sabatino’s legal team filed a motion on November 13, arguing that the harsh conditions of his incarceration have caused severe deterioration in his mental well-being. He has reportedly spent the majority of his time in “The Suites,” the facility’s Special Housing Unit (SHU), where inmates are isolated for up to 23 hours a day.

In a striking plea, Sabatino claimed that associating with Guzmán, who shares similar restrictions, would provide essential support for both men. The motion states: “The conditions of extreme isolation… destroys anyone.” His lawyer, Israel Encinosa, emphasized that allowing the two to interact during recreation time would be a crucial step toward preserving their mental health.

Currently, interactions between Sabatino and Guzmán are severely limited, with only occasional meetings during scheduled sunbathing times. Both inmates face strict communication constraints; Sabatino can only interact with his attorneys and family members under rare circumstances. El Chapo is similarly restricted, permitted only to see two daughters weekly and make one 15-minute phone call.

This request follows an earlier motion submitted in March, which sought permission for the two inmates to “recreate in their enclosed separate cages.” Encinosa underlined that both inmates are among the most restricted in the United States and that the proposed arrangement would allow them to maintain a semblance of normalcy even within the confines of their unique situations.

Speaking to CBS Miami, Encinosa remarked: “They are human beings, they may be flawed individuals, but they should be treated as human beings.” This plea highlights not only the unusual camaraderie between two infamous criminals but also raises questions about the impact of extreme isolation on mental health in the prison system.

The court’s decision on this request could set a precedent for how inmates classified under similar conditions are treated moving forward. As the legal proceedings develop, many are watching closely to see if Sabatino’s appeal for humane treatment will be granted.

Stay tuned for updates on this compelling story as it unfolds.