Former Olympian Ryan Wedding Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Kingpin Charges
- David S
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Wedding Appears in California Court
Wedding, 44, appeared Monday in a federal court in Santa Ana, California, marking his first court appearance since his arrest in Mexico last week. According to court observers, he appeared relaxed, smiling with his attorney and occasionally toward members of the media and FBI agents.
He wore a tan prison jumper over an orange shirt and socks and was not visibly shackled during the hearing. Wedding told Judge John Early that he had read both indictments against him and understood his legal rights.
Facing 17 Felony Charges
Prosecutors have charged Wedding with 17 felony counts, including large-scale drug trafficking, witness tampering, and conspiracy to commit murder. Federal officials allege that he ran a transnational drug cartel responsible for importing millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine into Los Angeles and distributing it across the United States and Canada.
Wedding is also accused of orchestrating the murder of a man who planned to testify against him.
Alleged Cartel Ties and Life in Mexico
U.S. authorities claim Wedding had been living in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa drug cartel. Although Mexican officials initially suggested he turned himself in, Wedding’s attorney, Anthony Colombo, strongly disputed that account.
“That is a false narrative,” Colombo said outside the courthouse, declining to provide details about the arrest.
From Olympic Athlete to FBI Most Wanted
Wedding, a Canadian national, competed in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing roughly 240 pounds, he still cuts an imposing figure, surprising some journalists who noted his athletic build.
The FBI previously placed Wedding on its 10 Most Wanted list, describing him as a “modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar.” Officials say his known aliases include “El Jefe,” “Giant,” “Public Enemy,” “James Conrad King,” and “Jesse King.”
Criminal Allegations Span Multiple Countries
Federal investigators allege Wedding began his criminal enterprise after being released from a U.S. federal prison in 2011, where he served time for cocaine distribution. Authorities claim he ordered dozens of murders across the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
Late last year, the FBI released images of a motorcycle collection seized in Mexico, allegedly belonging to Wedding and valued at around $40 million.
What Happens Next
Wedding’s attorney did not request bail during Monday’s hearing but indicated that a request could be made later. Due to ongoing protests near the Los Angeles federal courthouse, his appearance was moved to Santa Ana.
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