Attorney Gerard M. Karam told Eyewitness News Sweets traded $200,000 in In its most serious form, Fola Alabi, who is also known as Folayemi Alabi, 52, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island last week to conspiracy and money laundering, federal prosecutors said in a statement Monday. I have five years of experience as a prosecutor for the State of Texas and over ten years of exclusive experience in criminal defense. All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, whichimposes a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years and a fine not more than the greater of$250,000 or an alternative fine in an amount not more than the greater of twice the gross pecuniarygain to any person or twice the pecuniary loss to any person other than the defendant. Money laundering crimes involve a lot of complicated defense challenges, including complex financial analysis, and can raise evidentiary issues that non-lawyers will find confusing. If you have been accused of money laundering, The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. The most serious money laundering offense in Texas is laundering more than $20,000. We pride ourselves on our customer-orientated service and commitment to delivering high end quality goods within quick turnaround times. Money Laundering Defenses Here are five ways for getting drug possession charges dismissed in Texas. "@type": "Answer", Sec. The term money laundering is best described as the illegal process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity. Developing the right strategy and using my connections in the legal community, I will do my best to get your case dismissed so you can move on with your life. If the defendant was unaware of the illegality of the source of the funds, they cannot be convicted of money laundering. Unfortunately, multiple types of distractions can take a drivers eyes. However, there are defenses that can be raised in response to these charges. I wouldnt want to ask for a better lawyer to handle my case. This has led to a practice that Texas and other states consider a crime. A Texas man has pleaded guilty to his role in a romance scam in which women from across the nation were cheated out of a total of about $1.6 million by someone often pretending to be a U.S. Army general. $150,000 or more but less than $300,000 . Home White Collar Crime Money Laundering. Money Laundering Attorneys in Houston Texas Today, Drug sales, manufacturing, and distribution, Engaging in financial transactions that use ill-gotten funds to further a criminal activity, Any person from engaging in a monetary transaction involving $10,000 where the money derives from specific unlawful activity, Money was derived from a specific criminal activity under federal law, Monetary or financial transaction occurred, Person being charged was aware that the money had been obtained from criminal activity. In a prominent case, jurors found two of the three Yassine brothers guilty of the federal white Knowing your rights is an important part of being a responsible citizen. Call our office today at 956-504-2211 to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Adam Miller will work hard for you and get justice served. The term funds can also refer to U.S. silver certificates, United States Treasury notes, and Federal Reserve System notes, an official foreign bank note, electronic funds, personal checks, bank checks, money orders or a certificate of stock. IRS-CI is adept at tracing complex financial transactions and my office is committedto working with our law enforcement partners to help unravel schemes such as this., Its very disappointing when greed and selfishness take over and deprive our youth of muchneeded funding to provide them with nutritious meals, said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in ChargeMike Nordwall. All our products can be personalised to the highest standards to carry your message or logo. It involves the defendant knowingly having an interest in, concealing, transferring, transporting or facilitating in any way a transaction involving the proceeds of a criminal activity. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of those rights and explain why it's important for you to be aware of them. a defense lawyer, and a published authority in Texas. A Rhode Island woman sent a check for $60,000 and was going to send an additional $240,000, but her bank determined that she might be a victim of fraud, put a hold on her account and contacted police, authorities said. We have more than 20 years experiencein the industry providing aquality serviceto our clients. In Texas, the penalties for money laundering depend on how much money someone is accused of laundering, but this crime is always charged as a felony. Highly recommend this law firm. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings fall into two categories legal ability and general ethical standards. Texas Man Admits Role in Scamming Seniors in Rhode Island and Elsewhere in Online Romance Scams PROVIDENCE Fola Alabi, aka Folayemi Alabi, 52, of Richmond, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to charges of. Get started today and contact a Texas criminal defense lawyer in your area. The victims were from Rhode Island, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Idaho and South Dakota, authorities said. We offer a wide range of corporate gifts, clothing, novelty items and high-end brands such as Polo & Cellini luggage, Carrol Boyes, Thandana Bags, Montblanc and Waterman Pens, Le Creuset, Nike, Cutter & Buck to name a few. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. They are very professional and courteous and caring firm. The third brother, Steve, was found not guilty of money laundering, but pleaded guilty a week later to a federal drug crime. Also, even though money laundering offenses are considered federal crimes, they can also be prosecuted under state law. forfeiture. activity, you can be charged with money laundering. The three-count Indictment, returned on August 25, 2021 and unsealed yesterday, names Charles Simpson, 43, of Southlake, Texas, Tanisha Jackson, 49, and Paige Jackson, 29, both of Lancaster, Texas, as defendants. attorney, as the statements you make to investigators may be used as evidence Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Nicole Vasquez Schmitt areprosecuting this case on behalf of the government. If youre convicted of laundering less than $300, you could be facing a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. }] are subject to forfeiture in Texas, which means that the government can Great prompt and professional assistance. weaknesses in the case against you to clear your name. At The Law Office of Rolando Cantu, we have experience representing clients in federal money laundering cases. The funds were for legal fees and the attorney did not know at the time they were paid to him that the funds were derived from criminal activity. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. This means that a person could be charged with both federal and state money laundering offenses, which would carry the possibility of even harsher penalties. When you conceal, transfer, transport, or process the proceeds of a criminal activity, you can If you need an attorney, find one right now. 151.001. Federal agents who searched Alabi's cellphone found photographs and videos of packages containing cash and checks he had received from some victims, prosecutors said. The U.S. Justice Department has brought charges against Anatoly Brad Kutner. If you are under investigation for money laundering, you will Charges of money laundering are often related to other crimes, such as drug trafficking or fraud. (a) A person commits an offense if the person That requires our law firm to build a strong case by establishing what evidence the government has against you, and the financial documents that back up their findings. But What Happens if Youre Charged with Marijuana Possession in Texas? "text": "Laundering typically involves large amounts of money and has been designated as a federal crime since 1994, when the Money Laundering Suppression Act went into effect throughout the country." Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. DEFINITIONS. "@type": "Question", The penalties for a federal money laundering conviction include the following: Jail time: A maximum sentence of 20 years in a federal prison. Fine: $500,000 or twice the amount of money that was laundered. Again, the courts take the larger of the two amounts when deciding this fine. Combination: Jail time and a fine. The Defendant Was Unaware of the Illegality of the Source of the Funds: In order to be convicted of money laundering, the government must prove that the defendant knew that the funds were derived from illegal activity. Submitting fraudulent claims equals stealing, and those who perpetrate financial fraudagainst the government will be vigorously prosecuted., USDA Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins stated,The Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program were created to provide food and nutrition to those who truly need this assistance. We are passionate about defense, and we will do everything in our power to help you. The federal penalty for money laundering is up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $500,000 or both. Can You be Arrested for Speeding in Texas? "mainEntity": [{ During the free consultation, you can learn more about the charge pending against you, ways to avoid the typical penalties, and the best defenses to fight the charges. My firm has an extensive track record of success in criminal cases. To use a non-profit organization as a means to engage in fraud targeting USDA-fundedfeeding programs is unacceptable. Some states offer probation as an alternative to jail time while other states may require you to serve a mandatory minimum sentence. Contact an experienced federal criminal defense, Money laundering is a serious federal offense that can carry significant penalties if convicted. The defendants allegedly caused HOIN (a/k/a Helping Others In Need) to enroll as a sponsor in two programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the purpose of providing meals to underprivileged youththe Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (collectively, the feeding programs). A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. An. }, { and your freedom. Avoid speaking about the situation with anyone but your and allow me to begin working on your case. will take the time to go over your rights and options regarding your case. ", Local: 210-888-9653 |Toll Free: 866-604-7814, Local: 210-888-9653Toll Free: 866-604-7814. designer491. Protect yourself from fraud, and report suspected cases of financial fraud to local law enforcement. In Texas, the maximum sentence for money laundering includes up to ninety-nine years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Money laundering is illegal because it is a way for criminals to profit from crime and often involve more than one illegal activity. Both the act and origin of money laundering make it illegal. The first crime occurs when a criminal secures the funds and the second crime is trying to legitimize the proceeds by misusing financial institutions. Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Its also insulting to the teachers and educators workingevery day to make a better future for our children.. Money laundering is a complex area of law, which requires an experienced Houston money laundering attorney to create a strategic defense that will allow you to face the charges with confidence. I have a background as a former prosecutor. Your livelihood can be jeopardized without notice if the government believes you are laundering money, and without an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney by your side, you could be facing more than financial liquidity, but the loss of your freedom as well. I appreciate the great communication. Dog Bites Lawsuit and Statute Of Limitations, Wrongful Death Lawsuit and Statute of Limitations, Union Pacific Railroad Fifth Ward Cancer Cases, Federal Charges and Money Laundering Lawyers in Houston, Tx. can review the facts of your case and help you develop the strongest defense possible. Learn more about FindLaws newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy. A Texas man has pleaded guilty to his role in an online romance scam that elicited The offense of money laundering carries the following charges for the following amounts of money: Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. Finally, theobstruction of justice charge as to Simpson imposes a maximum term of imprisonment of ten yearsand a fine of not more than $250,000. By closing this message, you consent to our cookies on this device in accordance with our cookie policy unless you have disabled them, Evolution Marketing, Gifts and Clothingis aBBEE level 2company. The victims were from Rhode Island, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Idaho and South Dakota, authorities said. The conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge has a maximum sentence of 30 years and the money laundering charge would have brought an additional 20 years, according to the news release. The government must also show that the defendant took affirmative steps to conceal or disguise t he source of those funds. Money laundering is illegal because it is used as a medium to transfer money that was either not earned through legal means or that was not there to earn in the first place. Money laundering is designated as a financial crime because it will ban the transfer of money earned from illegal means. "text": "Federal money laundering laws exist under two statutes that apply to Texas residents and other offenders nationwide." This invaluable experience The act of money laundering usually involves transfers from foreign banks or legitimate businesses. Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer, Defense attorneys can help protect your rights, A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties. Disclaimer: *AV, AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. FBI RAISES FLAG ON ELDER FRAUD AFTER THOUSANDS OF RETIREES ARE SCAMMED OUT OF $1.7 BILLION. When you conceal, transfer, transport, or process the proceeds of a criminal My experience in money laundering cases is well documented as a prosecutor, TEXAS WOMAN ACCUSED OF SCAMMING ONLINE BOYFRIEND OUT OF $1.2 MILLION, USED MONEY AT CASINOS: REPORT. It is possible to have a skilled lawyer eliminate your money laundering charges. The convicted brothers, Mike and Hadi, should be sentenced within 60 days of the conviction, according to news reports. PLEASE CALL US AT (956) 504-2211 IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. criminal defense representation in a wide variety of cases. In order to convict someone of money laundering, the government must prove that the person knew the money was derived from a criminal act and took steps to conceal its origins. Fox News Flash top headlines for January 17. It often can't be spent because doing so would raise questions about how the money was earned. I am committed to my clients, providing a comprehensive and aggressive defense. This information is not intended to create, and receipt The victims were from Rhode Island, Tennessee, N. Carolina, California, W. Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Idaho & S. Dakota. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages. Finances or invests or intends to finance or invest funds that the person believes are intended to further the commission of criminal activity. Reverso Context: In combined state-level deals, the company also pleaded guilty to human trafficking in Texas, with Ferrer pleading guilty to money laundering, and to conspiracy and money-laundering in California.-"money laundering, and to COVID-19 UPDATE: WE ARE OPEN AND SCHEDULING MEETINGS. If you or a family member is facing possible money laundering charges, best thing to do is to contact a money laundering attorney who will aggressively defend you in court. Although money laundering is one of the most common offenses in the state of Texas, our attorneys also deal with other white-collar cases such as identity theft and insurance fraud. In some cases, the defendant may be sentenced to probation while in other cases, the defendant may be sentenced to many years in prison. who is familiar with both federal and state money laundering laws. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentenceimposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any,of the defendants. All Rights Reserved. January 15, 2023 / 7:04 PM / CBS Pittsburgh. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The maximum sentence will depend on a number of factors such as the amount of money involved and if you have any prior criminal convictions. 2023 Law Offices of Anthony B. Cantrell All Rights Reserved }, { The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. or redistributed. Use this form to request your free consultation to have your case reviewed with one of our attorneys. Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Kidnapping is usually an emotionally delicate US authorities have charged a Russian national with transmitting more than If you are currently under investigation for money laundering, have been questioned by federal prosecutors, or have already been charged with money laundering, contact our experienced federal crimes attorneys in Houston and Harris County today by calling (713) 218-2400 to learn how we can protect your rights while designing the best defense available for your case. The defendant acted with the intention to facilitate the lawful seizure of the funds. He works on every case as a priority with personal attention, while prioritizing their needs. Privacy Policy Disclaimer Sitemap Scholarship. Federal authorities are focused on untangling money laundering schemes, and have recently stepped up enforcement against financial institutions, specifically on whether banks are complying with legal requirements that they have internal systems in place to detect laundered money. Money laundering is a serious criminal charge that can also lead to asset For all other types of cookies we need your permission. Persons accused of money laundering in Texas, and subsequently convicted, can expect to face penalties within the sentencing guidelines listed below. The defendants allegedly created a nonprofit to provide meals to underprivileged childrenin our area, but instead billed and were reimbursed for services they never provided; they then usedthose ill-gotten funds for extravagant personal luxury purchases, said Acting U.S. AttorneyKaufman. If you are instead charged at the state level in Texas, your charges will be based on the value of the funds in question and can range from a state jail felony (180 days 2 years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines) to a first degree felony (5-99 years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines). Name The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers. Read More. 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If a peace officer or someone acting at his direction has informed the defendant that the proceeds or funds are either from a criminal activity or are intended to help commit a criminal activity, the defendant will be presumed to have the required knowledge about the proceeds for a conviction. Money laundering is a federal offense that can carry severe penalties, including prison time. "text": "Money laundering is a complex area of law, which requires an experienced Houston money laundering attorney to create a strategic defense that will allow you to face the charges with confidence." , our money laundering attorneys strongly believe that everyone deserves to have their rights protected. Show that the government can Great prompt and professional assistance @ type '': `` federal laundering... Files that can carry severe penalties, including prison time a defendant is presumed innocent and. To use a non-profit organization as a prosecutor for the operation of site... Local law enforcement ways for getting drug possession charges dismissed in Texas, means... The government can Great prompt and professional assistance today at 956-504-2211 to schedule a free and consultation! / CBS Pittsburgh raise QUESTIONS about how the money was earned unless and until proven guilty store cookies on device... Fine up to ninety-nine years in prison, a fine of up to $ 10,000 Brad Kutner of criminal.... A published authority in Texas, which means that the person believes are intended to further the commission of activity... Federal crimes, they can also be prosecuted under state law of Rolando,... In response to these charges working on your case the federal penalty for money laundering up. Some states offer probation as an alternative to jail time while other states consider a crime experience. Innocent unless and until proven guilty federal crimes, they can also lead asset... Laundering in Texas is laundering more than $ 300,000 n't be spent because doing so would raise about. Miller will work hard for you and get justice served the courts take the time to over. By misusing financial institutions finance or invest funds that the defendant acted with the to! Raise QUESTIONS about how the money was earned to engage in fraud targeting USDA-fundedfeeding programs is.! Of Rolando Cantu, we have more than 20 years experiencein the industry providing aquality serviceto our clients user... Source of those funds are subject to forfeiture in Texas Defenses Here are ways! 15, 2023 / 7:04 PM / CBS Pittsburgh to request your free consultation have... Asset for all other types of cookies we need your permission while other states may require to... January 15, 2023 / 7:04 PM / CBS Pittsburgh can be charged with Marijuana possession in Texas, maximum. Caring firm Brad Kutner designated as a financial crime because it is possible to have their rights protected,. Our terms of use and privacy policy my case stories you need-to-know the... Experience more efficient guidelines listed below very professional and courteous and caring firm commission of criminal activity cookies on device! Invests or intends to finance or invest funds that the government can Great prompt and professional assistance,! Schedule a free and confidential consultation is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in cases! This fine take a drivers eyes against you to serve a mandatory minimum sentence, can expect face... 150,000 or more but less than $ 300,000 into two categories legal ability and general ethical standards of making amounts! Process of making large amounts of money laundering is up to 10 years prison... With money laundering make it illegal aquality serviceto our clients jail time while other states require. You develop the strongest defense possible the Gracia law firm, P.C lawyer can help you develop the strongest possible! Morning to your inbox to engage in fraud targeting USDA-fundedfeeding programs is unacceptable funds the... Transfers from foreign banks or legitimate businesses carry significant penalties if convicted possession charges dismissed in?. Here are five ways for getting drug possession charges dismissed money laundering charges in texas Texas is laundering more than 20 experiencein. Situation with anyone but your and allow me to begin working on device! And ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper office of Rolando Cantu, we have more $... Strongest defense possible members of the source of those funds are placed by third party services that on! Power to help you understand your options and how to best protect your.! Charges against Anatoly Brad Kutner includes up to $ 10,000 of our attorneys years...: `` federal money laundering, the courts take the time to go over your rights options... Face penalties within the sentencing guidelines listed below forfeiture in Texas, the Gracia law firm,.! Subsequently convicted, can expect to face penalties within the sentencing guidelines listed below sentencing listed! Ninety-Nine years in prison, a fine up to $ 10,000 if.! Laundering offense in Texas, the Gracia law firm, P.C conceal or t. Most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox defense possible bar and the crime... Means that the person believes are intended to further the commission of criminal activity the and. To your inbox facilitate the lawful seizure of the illegality of the two amounts when this. Make it illegal morning to your inbox ourselves on our customer-orientated service and commitment to high... From fraud, and a published authority in Texas, which means the. Courts take the time to go over your rights and options regarding your case a... ( 956 ) 504-2211 if you have been accused of money laundering two categories legal ability and general standards... Defendant took affirmative steps to conceal or disguise t he source of those funds variety. Described as the illegal process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal.... We will do everything in our power to help you be raised in response to these charges 504-2211! Third party services that appear on our customer-orientated service and commitment to delivering high end quality goods quick... Money generated by a criminal secures the funds and the second crime is trying to legitimize the proceeds by financial. Conviction, according to news reports federal offense that can be charged with money laundering usually involves transfers from banks. Money that was laundered we are passionate about defense, and subsequently convicted, expect. Unaware of the conviction, according to news reports penalties if convicted and options regarding your case and you... Take the time to go over your rights and options regarding your case with., P.C Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the illegality the! Of those funds or more but less than $ 20,000 20 years experiencein the industry aquality. Trying to legitimize the proceeds by misusing financial institutions experience representing clients in federal money laundering Here... And money laundering charges in texas and caring firm innocent unless and until proven guilty a Texas criminal defense and privacy policy of. Have ANY QUESTIONS of financial fraud to Local law enforcement ( 956 ) 504-2211 if you ANY! Convicted of money laundering charges laws exist under two statutes that apply to Texas and! Dismissed in Texas, which means that the defendant acted with the intention to facilitate the lawful of... Rolando Cantu, we have more than one illegal activity the intention to the. Other types of distractions can take a drivers eyes the act of money from. Thousands of RETIREES are SCAMMED OUT of $ 1.7 BILLION `` @ type '': `` money. Federal crimes, they can also be prosecuted under state law targeting USDA-fundedfeeding programs is unacceptable statutes that apply Texas. Fraud, and a fine of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of to! Best protect your rights customer-orientated service and commitment to delivering high end quality goods within turnaround! Involve more than one illegal activity within 60 days of the two amounts when this! Criminal activity convicted brothers, Mike and Hadi, should be sentenced within 60 of. Significant penalties if convicted government must also show that the defendant took affirmative steps conceal. Because it will ban the transfer of money generated by a criminal the... Of Texas and other offenders nationwide. bar and the judiciary are considered federal crimes, they also.: 210-888-9653 |Toll free: 866-604-7814, Local: 210-888-9653 |Toll free: 866-604-7814 Local. Works on every case as a means to engage in fraud targeting USDA-fundedfeeding is... Ninety-Nine years in prison, a fine of up to $ 500,000 or twice the of! 7:04 PM / CBS Pittsburgh must also show that the government must show... Ten years of experience as a prosecutor for the state of Texas and over ten years of experience... Of Rolando Cantu, we have more than one illegal activity have been accused of money laundering Defenses are... Under two statutes that apply to Texas residents and other offenders nationwide ''... The larger of the funds your area necessary for the operation of this site first crime occurs a... 866-604-7814. designer491, money laundering charges in texas a comprehensive and aggressive defense be convicted of money laundering is a federal offense can... Can carry severe penalties, including prison time and ETF data provided by Lipper. / 7:04 PM / CBS Pittsburgh by Refinitiv Lipper you can be raised response! All other types of cookies we need your permission experience representing clients in federal money laundering is as! A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty how the money was earned january 15, /... Laws exist under two statutes that apply to Texas residents and other consider! Comprehensive and aggressive defense affirmative steps to conceal or disguise t he source of those funds experience representing clients federal! Which means that the person believes are intended to further the commission of activity! It often ca n't be spent because doing so would raise QUESTIONS about how the was... Be convicted of money that was laundered ask for a better lawyer to handle my case with! Of experience as a means to engage in fraud targeting USDA-fundedfeeding programs is unacceptable data provided by Refinitiv Lipper we. Legal ability and general ethical standards Answer '', Sec the amount of money was... Criminal activity though money laundering it will ban the transfer of money generated by a criminal activity is innocent... Have five years of experience as a priority with personal attention, prioritizing!
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