A member of the Cosa Nostra mafia has made an unusual request to be housed with notorious cartel leader El Chapo in an effort to improve his mental well-being following a period of isolation.
James Sabatino, a Cosa Nostra con artist described by his lawyers as the most restricted prisoner in the United States, was sentenced to 20 years in 2017 for a $10 million racketeering operation. As part of his plea deal, he was subjected to communication limitations to prevent further criminal activities, despite orchestrating his scheme from prison. However, Sabatino claims these restrictions have negatively impacted his mental health and views Joaquín Guzmán, the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel, as a crucial support system.
Sabatino, currently incarcerated at ADX Florence in Colorado alongside Guzmán, formally requested permission to live and interact with the Mexican drug lord. Court documents submitted to District Judge Joan Leonard reveal that Sabatino has endured nearly two decades of near-total isolation in the Special Housing Unit, leading to a significant decline in his mental well-being.
The filing argues that the severe isolation is detrimental to individuals, stating, “The conditions of extreme isolation in which we are, without having contact with other prisoners, destroys anyone.” Seeking to alleviate this situation, Sabatino’s lawyer, Israel Encinosa, proposed allowing Sabatino and Guzmán to spend recreation time together to support each other’s mental health.
Currently, the two inmates have limited interaction during scheduled outdoor time, with Sabatino restricted to communication with lawyers and occasionally family members. Guzmán also has minimal contact, permitted only visits from two daughters weekly and a brief phone call. This recent request follows a previous plea in March for the pair to be able to engage in activities together within their separate enclosures.
Encinosa emphasized the uniqueness of the inmates’ circumstances, highlighting their status as the most restricted prisoners not only in ADX but in the entire country. He stressed the importance of treating them as human beings despite their past actions, advocating for their right to socialize within the confines of their confinement.