Former Employee Charged With Conspiring To Launder Drug Proceeds

The article “Former Employee Charged With Conspiring To Launder Drug Proceeds” reveals the investigation and charges brought against Yessenia Margarita Barrientos-Lainez, a former employee of a money services business in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. Barrientos is accused of conspiring to launder drug proceeds by wiring large sums of money abroad for a known drug trafficker in the Bay Area. The charges allege that Barrientos used her position as a teller at the money services business to facilitate these illegal transactions, with evidence including text messages, surveillance footage, and records confirming her involvement. If convicted, Barrientos faces significant prison time and fines. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat money laundering and drug trafficking in San Francisco.

Former Employee Charged With Conspiring To Launder Drug Proceeds

Yessenia Margarita Barrientos-Lainez, a former employee of a money services business in the Tenderloin district, has been charged with conspiring to launder drug proceeds. The charges stem from her alleged involvement in wiring large sums of money abroad for a known drug trafficker in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Charges against Yessenia Margarita Barrientos-Lainez

According to the federal criminal complaint, Barrientos worked as a teller at the money services business until mid-May 2023. During her time there, she used her position to launder the drug proceeds of an unnamed co-conspirator, who was known to DEA agents as a Bay Area drug trafficker. The co-conspirator was later arrested in possession of narcotics in Daly City. Barrientos allegedly wired significant amounts of cash to various foreign bank accounts, including those in Mexico, as directed by the co-conspirator.

Initial court appearance of Barrientos

Barrientos made her initial federal court appearance on October 27 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson. This appearance marked the beginning of the legal proceedings she faces regarding the charges against her.

Details of the federal criminal complaint

The federal criminal complaint sheds light on the extent of Barrientos’ involvement in money laundering activities. As a teller at the money services business, she allegedly processed wire transfers without customers present, allowing her to facilitate the laundering of drug proceeds. The complaint also reveals that Barrientos exchanged text messages with her co-conspirator, discussing the logistics of their illicit activities. Additionally, surveillance footage from the money services business captured Barrientos engaging in money laundering activities, including counting large amounts of cash and processing wire transfers.

Evidence of Barrientos’ money laundering activity

The federal criminal complaint presents various pieces of evidence that support the allegations of money laundering against Barrientos. Surveillance footage from April 25, 2023, shows Barrientos retrieving a white plastic bag from a parked car, bringing it inside the money services business, and using its contents to process wire transfers. Photographs taken with her cellphone further substantiate these claims. Moreover, it is alleged that Barrientos charged her co-conspirator an under-the-table fee for processing the wire transfers and deliberately evaded reporting requirements.

Arrest and release on bond of Barrientos

Barrientos was arrested on October 26, 2023, in connection with the charges against her. However, she was subsequently released on bond following her initial court appearance on October 27. Her next scheduled appearance is set for November 2, 2023.

Potential penalties if convicted

If Barrientos is found guilty of the charges against her, she could face severe penalties. The maximum prison sentence for conspiring to launder drug proceeds is 20 years, accompanied by a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered funds, whichever is greater. Additionally, the court may require Barrientos to pay restitution and serve a period of supervised release after completing her prison sentence.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation

The investigation into Barrientos’ alleged money laundering activities is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The OCDETF is a multi-agency initiative aimed at identifying, disrupting, and dismantling high-level criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and related illegal activities. This prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven approach combines the resources and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Prosecuting attorney and investigating agencies

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Parker has been assigned to prosecute the case against Barrientos. The investigation that led to Barrientos’ arrest was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Francisco Field Division, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Oakland Field Office. These agencies worked collaboratively to gather evidence and build a strong case against Barrientos.

Related content

The charges against Barrientos are part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking and money laundering in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is essential to address these criminal activities to safeguard the well-being and safety of the community.

Contact information

For more information or inquiries related to this case, individuals can contact the Northern District of California Main Office. The office can be reached at the following phone numbers: San Francisco – (415) 436-7200, Oakland – (510) 637-3680, and San Jose – (408) 535-5061. These contact details can be used to obtain additional information or to report any relevant information relating to this case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/former-employee-san-francisco-money-services-business-charged-conspiring-launder-drug