A high-ranking member of a Mexican drug cartel who allegedly faked his own death and has been living in California under a fake name is now facing federal charges, the US Justice Department announced Thursday.

Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa — the son-in-law of Jalisco New Generation cartel leader "El Mencho" — was arrested in Riverside, California, officials said.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the significance of the arrest: "The Jalisco Cartel—one of the world's most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations—is weaker today because of the tenacious efforts of law enforcement to track down and arrest a cartel leader who allegedly faked his own death and assumed a false identity to evade justice and live a life of luxury in California.

The Justice Department says a high-ranking member of a Mexican drug cartel accused of faking his own death and living in the U.S. under a fake identity has been arrested on federal charges.

Ochoa, alleged son-in-law of “El Mencho,” the leader of the Mexican Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), was arrested in Riverside.

Ochoa, 37, was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and charged with international drug-trafficking and money-laundering offenses