Mar.31, 2010, 3:33 pm US/Eastern
MIAMI (CBS4) ―U.S. authorities in Miami announced the arrests of 16 people who were part of a $7 million money laundering scheme that involved moving drug money on commercial flights from Puerto Rico to Miami and other locations as well.
The announcement came after arrests were simultaneously made in Florida, Puerto Rico, and New York Wednesday, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Most of the suspects face charges on a money laundering conspiracy charge. The money laundering charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
An ICE affidavit obtained by the Associated Press said 58-year-old Herman Solorzano of Miami and his son smuggled $100,000 per trip in suitcases on commercial flights from Puerto Rico to Miami. The money was then deposited in area banks or transferred to other people.
Solorzano has pleaded not guilty to the charges.