Apr.06, 2010, 07:56:00 PM PDT, Source: The Associated Press
SANTA CRUZ, Calif.—A Watsonville businessman has been sentenced to three years in prison as part of a settlement in an international money-laundering scheme.
Javier Vasquez had been accused of laundering millions of dollars in drug profits through his chain of La Esperanza Markets.
As part of the settlement, Vasquez pleaded guilty to one count of international money laundering and two counts of lying on his U.S. citizenship application. His wife, Emelia Vasquez, also pleaded guilty to one count of laundering drug money.
She was sentenced to probation and a year of home confinement.
Vasquez's lawyer said prosecutors correctly concluded they could not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The U.S. Attorney's office would not comment.
Vasquez was sentenced last Thursday.