El Chapo: Thug or Hero?
Joaquin Guzman Loera was born in Mexico in 1954. His family was poor, and his father was violent and abusive. When his father kicked out 14-year-old Joaquin, the boy started growing marijuana to make a little money.
By the time he was in his 20’s, Joaquin knew many people in the illegal drug “business.” Other drug dealers called him El Chapo or “Shorty” because he was only 5’6” tall. When the boss of his drug gang was arrested for murder, El Chapo became one of the leaders. He started his own gang in the Sinaloa region of Mexico. He sold cocaine, marijuana and other drugs all over the world. Police say that he has killed at least a dozen people and has ordered the murders of many more.
In 1993 El Chapo was arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison. While he was in prison, he bribed (paid) some guards to help him escape. Some Mexicans were glad that he escaped because El Chapo sometimes gave money to poor people and toys to children.
Police again captured El Chapo in 2014 and in 2016. He is now waiting to go to court in the United States for the crimes he committed in that country.
Tell whether each statement is true or false.
Change false statements into true statements.
Joaquin grew up in a loving home.
TrueFalse
Joaquin ran away from home.
Joaquin’s father hurt him.
People called Joaquin “Shorty.”
People think El Chapo is a hero because he killed police.
El Chapo is good at escaping from the police.
El Chapo sold marijuana when he was a teen-ager.
El Chapo sells drugs, but has never killed anybody.
El Chapo sells all his drugs in Mexico.
Guards helped El Chapo escape because they believed he was a hero.
