The recent arrest of a family of five from Norcross, Georgia, has been announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. The family is accused of laundering money on behalf of two Mexican drug cartels, namely La Nueva Familia Michoacana and The Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The family members involved are David Vinalay, Jerome Lewis, Irving Hernandez, Beatriz Hernandez Chilel, and Karina Perez Hernandez. Allegations state that the men transported drug money to the women, who then transferred the funds back to cartel leaders in Mexico using their check cashing business, La Pulga Esperenza, located in Norcross.
Authorities claim the defendants were responsible for bringing significant quantities of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into the community, laundering over $1 million in illicit proceeds in just two months. Despite their efforts to conceal these activities, coordinated efforts by federal and local law enforcement have led to federal charges. The arrests are expected to disrupt the cartels’ money laundering operations.
In a related operation, five suspected drug dealers in Douglasville were apprehended, resulting in the seizure of $300,000 worth of money, guns, and jewelry, along with 100 pounds of fentanyl. This seizure potentially saves approximately 23.5 million lives, according to the DEA.
Additionally, La Nueva Familia Michoacana has been added to the terrorist organization list, underscoring the grave threat these activities pose. Federal agents have issued $8 million in rewards for information leading to the capture of Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga, known as El Pez, and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga, known as El Fresa, who are believed to be leading the cartel and are likely in Mexico. A Federal Grand Jury in Atlanta has indicted them for conspiring to manufacture, import, and distribute cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States.
Community Impact
The crackdown on drug trafficking and money laundering operations in Georgia serves as a significant step towards reducing drug-related crime in the area. While the immediate impact is a dent in the operations of major drug cartels, the long-term effect may see a decline in drug availability and related criminal activities within the community. This could potentially enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for residents.
Local businesses such as La Pulga Esperenza, implicated in these illicit activities, highlight the challenges faced by legitimate enterprises in distancing themselves from criminal elements. The community’s awareness and cooperation with law enforcement are crucial in curbing such illegal practices, thereby fostering a more secure environment for both businesses and residents alike. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance and community engagement in the fight against organized crime.
