People make bad financial decisions from time to time. Sometimes these mistakes can cause a person to lose money, but they do little harm to others.
However, some of these mistakes constitute white-collar crimes such as money laundering and embezzlement. And as one incident shows, when combined with other crimes, the consequences of a conviction of money laundering or embezzlement can be very serious indeed.
Recently, 37 individuals in Ohio were indicted on charges of money laundering and drug trafficking following a police raid of a jewelry store and automotive shop. Officers reportedly uncovered 150 pounds of drugs, nearly 50 weapons, 12 vehicles and other assets valued at around $1.1 million.
According to prosecutors, between March 2016 and October 2019, money was kept at both shops, was hidden and was packaged to be transported around the Cincinnati area. It is also alleged that the accused individuals maintained drug premises in the area. Those accused of the drug crimes now face 10 years to a life incarceration sentence and those accused of money laundering may also face up to 20 years incarceration.
People may be surprised to find that prosecutors will still aggressively go after those accused of white-collar crimes such as money laundering, especially when the accused is also facing charges of other serious crimes, such as drug trafficking. Sometimes what a person might initially see as a financial mistake ultimately leads to criminal charges. Money laundering, embezzlement and other white-collar crimes will be treated just as harshly as other types of crimes, so it is important that those accused of them understand their options so they can formulate a solid defense strategy.
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