Florida man indicted in suspected Monroeville cocaine, money laundering ring
Share this post:
A Florida man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges in connection with a suspected cocaine and money laundering ring operating out of Monroeville, a U.S. Attorney’s office news release said Wednesday.
Racoco Williams, 37, of Lauderhill, Fla., faced charges two years ago after authorities said they found more than 35 pounds of cocaine and almost $200,000 in cash inside his Extended Stay Hotel room in Monroeville.
The drugs and money were found after authorities executed a search warrant at the hotel on Northern Pike in Monroeville on Aug. 29, 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s office said in a news release.
Those charges have been superseded by a new indictment with heftier charges.
The federal grand jury found that Williams participated in a “criminal enterprise” from 2012 to March 2018 that involved trafficking at least 150 kilograms of cocaine and other drugs across state lines and conspired with people to launder money.
The six-count indictment lists Williams as the sole defendant.
The charges are possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, participating in a continuing criminal enterprise as principal administrator that involves 150 kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiracy to commit money laundering and interstate travel or transmission in aid of racketeering.
The charges carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison, a maximum fine of $32.7 million or both, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.
According to court documents, Williams sued Extended Stay America Hotel in July for disclosing information to police that led to his “unlawful arrest and incarceration as well as harassment.” He said the hotel violated his civil rights to protected privacy.
Williams, who is currently being held at Allegheny County Jail, is representing himself in that case.