• Pacific Daily News • September 3, 2010

http://www.guampdn.com/article/20100903/NEWS01/9030329/Man-pleads-guilty-to-money-laundering

A man has admitted in federal court that he helped two alleged drug dealers transfer money to the Philippines as payment for methamphetamines that were smuggled to Guam.

Ricardo S. Paras Jr. pleaded guilty to money laundering in the District Court of Guam yesterday. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled yet, according to court files.

According to his plea agreement, Paras has admitted that he laundered about $30,900 of drug profits during December and January for two alleged ice dealers -- Gina Medina and Henry Fresnoza.

Currently, Medina and Fresnoza are accused of playing key roles in a five-person drug ring that was busted by investigators in May.

The ring allegedly imported at least 550 grams of imported methamphetamines that could be worth as much $500,000, according to Pacific Daily News files.

The alleged drug ring spans two indictments and the investigation that nabbed the five alleged conspirators began at least six years ago, PDN files state. Paras was arrested later and charged in this separate case.

Two of the drug ring conspirators, Sofia Vivas San Agustin and Andres Sotelo, have already pleaded guilty selling methamphetamines in federal court. Medina, Fresnoza, and Rodean Villa are still awaiting trial.