A member of the Cosa Nostra has made an unusual request to be housed with the infamous Cartel leader El Chapo in an effort to improve his mental well-being following a period of isolation.

James Sabatino, a Cosa Nostra con artist described by his attorneys as the most restricted inmate in the United States, was sentenced to 20 years in 2017 for his involvement in a $10 million racketeering scheme. As part of his plea agreement, Sabatino was subjected to communication limitations to prevent further illegal activities, which were conducted while he was incarcerated. However, Sabatino claims that these restrictions have negatively affected his mental health and believes that Joaquín Guzmán, the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel, could provide essential support.

Currently serving his sentence at ADX Florence in Colorado alongside Guzmán, Sabatino has formally requested permission to live and interact with the Mexican drug lord. Court documents submitted to District Judge Joan Leonard state that Sabatino has endured nearly complete isolation for the past two decades in the highly restrictive Special Housing Unit (SHU), where inmates spend up to 23 hours per day alone. Sabatino’s legal team argues that his current conditions have led to a deterioration in his mental state.

The motion highlights the detrimental effects of extreme isolation, stating that it “destroys anyone.” Sabatino seeks approval from the court to engage in shared recreational time with Guzmán to support each other’s mental well-being, viewing it as an act of humility.

At present, the two inmates are only allowed occasional interactions during scheduled outdoor time, with Sabatino limited to communication with lawyers and occasionally family members. Guzmán faces similar restrictions, with only two of his daughters permitted weekly visits and a 15-minute phone call. This request follows a previous filing in March, where the possibility of the two men recreating together in their separate enclosures was proposed.

In an interview with CBS Miami, Sabatino’s lawyer emphasized the unique circumstances of the two inmates, labeling them as the most restricted prisoners not only in ADX but in the entire U.S. The lawyer advocates for allowing them to walk and talk together during the designated time, emphasizing the importance of treating them as human beings despite their past actions.