An alleged $1.9 million money laundering ring for a Mexican drug cartel has widened with federal prosecutors in Texas charging a 10th suspect in the case.
The suspects are part of a 21-count indictment unsealed in October. All of the defendants are Brownsville-area residents, who prosecutors accuse of opening bank accounts that were then accessed by unknown individuals.
Prosecutors say withdrawals of less than $10,000 were made to avoid reporting rules. The money then allegedly crossed the border into neighboring Matamoros.
The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges that the money deposited into the accounts were drug proceeds.
Each suspect faces multiple charges, including operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. Court documents show that all the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
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Information from: The Brownsville Herald, http://www.brownsvilleherald.com
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