Related Federal Cases
- “K Money” Crumbles: Wall St. Pretender Admits $2M Scam · New York
- Buffalo Police Fatality Under Scrutiny by NY AG’s OSI · Minnesota
- Tow Truck Operator and Car Dealer Sentenced for Car Theft Scheme · New York
- Buffalo Officer Lance Woods Arraigned for Murder · New York
- Mean Arms Enabled Buffalo Shooter: $1.75M Settlement · Georgia
Buffalo Woman Convicted in Money Laundering Scheme
BUFFALO, N.Y. – A 31-year-old Buffalo woman has been convicted of laundering money for a notorious cocaine trafficking operation.
Danielle Barton, a mother of two, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, or both.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Catherine Baumgarten, Barton conspired with others to deposit the proceeds from the drug trafficking activities of Will Johnson and others into her bank account between June 2008 and July 2010.
Prosecutors say Barton knowingly concealed and disguised the source and ownership of those funds, using her bank account to clean dirty money.
Barton was arrested in a massive sweep of 22 suspects, and 18 defendants have already been convicted in the case.
Will Johnson, the mastermind behind the cocaine trafficking operation, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine, as well as money laundering conspiracy. He will be sentenced on July 29, 2013.
The investigation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, uncovered a complex web of financial transactions designed to avoid detection.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. praised the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Niagara County Drug Enforcement Task Force for their tireless work in bringing Barton to justice.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of money laundering and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their crimes.
In a statement, Hochul said, ‘Money laundering is a serious offense that undermines our financial systems and enables organized crime. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment to dismantling these networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.’
RELATED: Albany Spa Owner Xie Busted in Prostitution Ring
RELATED: Niagara Falls Man Sentenced to 106 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News