3 from county accused of money laundering
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, February 14, 2018
SEATTLE — Three people from Snohomish County were accused Wednesday of money laundering in a case involving multiple drug-trafficking organizations. Each was arrested and made first appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle, according to federal prosecutors.
Maria Angelica Maldonado, 55 and her husband, Ismael Garcia Sr., 49, were taken into custody at their Marysville home. Prosecutors allege that Moldanado’s business, Celulares y Multiservicios, was used to ship drug money to Mexico for a fee. A federal agent allegedly used the service repeatedly to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars presented as money from illegal drug transactions, according to a indictment charging the couple with conspiracy to engage in money laundering.
Anthony Bustos, 20, of Monroe, is charged with money laundering involving Moldanado as well as possession of heroin with intent to distribute. He reportedly was caught with nearly a pound of heroin during a traffic stop early last year.
In addition to the arrests, search warrants were served at five homes and an Everett business, U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes said in a press release.
