A reputed lieutenant of captured Mexican drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman is appealing his 22-year prison term for his role in a $1 billion trafficking conspiracy.
A Monday filing notified the presiding judge that Alfredo Vasquez-Hernandez was appealing to the U.S. 7th District Court of Appeals in Chicago.
Defense attorneys will file a written brief later. After prosecutors respond, a three-judge appellate panel will hear oral arguments.
Chief U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo told last week's sentencing hearing in Chicago that he decided to impose a stiff sentence to send a message that Americans are tired of cartel drug trafficking.
Hernandez's adult son, Gabriel Vasquez, told reporters afterward that the punishment was too harsh.
The case is regarded as one of the U.S. government's most important against Mexican cartels.
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