Ex-Olympic Snowboarder Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Murder Charges
Arrest and Court Appearance
Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding pleaded not guilty on Monday to 17 felony charges across two indictments alleging his involvement in operating a Mexican drug cartel. Wedding, a Canadian national who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, was arraigned in federal court in Santa Ana, California. The charges involve drug trafficking and murder, and the Department of Juststart has confirmed that he will remain in U.S. custody without bond.
Appearing in court dressed in a tan jumpsuit and shackled at the ankles, Wedding displayed a smirk as he entered the courtroom, as reported by CBS News. The 44-year-old was apprehended last week in Mexico City after living as a fugitive for nearly a decade.
Legal Representation and Defense Claims
Outside the courthouse, Wedding’s attorney, Anthony Colombo, disputed claims made by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, suggesting that Wedding relinquished himself to authorities. Colombo stated that Wedding was instead “apprehended” by law enforcement in Mexico. “This is very early on in the proceedings,” he remarked. “Wedding is in good spirits … This has been a whirlwind.”
Allegations and Charges
Ryan Wedding was listed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list last year, accused of “running and participating in a transnational drug trafficking operation” tied to the Sinaloa Cartel. Federal prosecutors allege that his operations routinely involved the shipment of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico, into the U.S. and Canada.
Court documents have also revealed that Wedding allegedly ordered a “multimillion-dollar bounty” on a federal witness who participated in a 2024 narcotics case against him. His arrest in Mexico City followed a substantial increase in the reward for information leading to his capture, which was raised to $15 million.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
Wedding is scheduled to return to court for a status conference on February 11, with a jury trial set for March 24. However, Colombo expressed doubt about the trial starting on time, citing the substantial amount of evidence that needs to be processed.
Chelsea Hylton contributed to this report.