Drug Cartel Figure Sentenced in Money Laundering

Victor Manuel Alcala Navarro, a central figure in the biggest drug money laundering case in U.S. history, was sentenced to 22 years and 10 months in prison Friday by a Los Angeles federal judge.

Alcala, a money broker for the Juarez drug cartel, was one of 100 people indicted in 1998 along with three Mexican banks in Operation Casablanca, a massive undercover probe by the U.S. Customs Service.

“I would like to apologize first before God and before my family for putting them through this agony,” the 37-year-old Mexican national told U.S. Judge Lourdes Baird.

Despite his apology in court, Alcala has steadfastly refused to cooperate with investigators.

“He could have taken an easier path and talked, but he chose to remain silent and take his medicine,” defense attorney Victor Sherman said afterward.

Two of Alcala’s brothers also were indicted in the case. One pleaded guilty and the other was acquitted at trial.

Responsible for moving narcotics money from the United States to Mexico, Alcala unwittingly enlisted the help of undercover U.S. Customs agents, who posed as money launderers operating out of a warehouse in Santa Fe Springs.

Convinced that they were crooks, Alcala introduced the agents to scores of Mexican bankers and businessmen willing to launder drug money for cash. Alcala’s help was crucial in launching the sting.

Rather than go to trial, Alcala pleaded guilty to a string of money laundering and conspiracy charges. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a charge that accused him of running a continuing criminal enterprise. It carried a possible life sentence. The government also agreed to recommend a 22-year, 10-month term, approved by Baird on Monday.

Responding to a tearful plea from Alcala’s wife, the judge also agreed to ask the Bureau of Prisons to house Alcala in Southern California so his five children, ages 6 to 21, can visit him.

Baird said she would not object to a future request by Alcala to finish serving his term in Mexico, which is possible under a U.S.-Mexican treaty, Sherman said.