Famous Tejano singer is money launderer
Adalberto Gallegos, Jr., the lead singer of a popular Tejano band, has pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge. A 52-year old Gallegos, Jr. Is a member of the musical group Latin Breed.
Gallegos, Jr. was charged with conspiring to conduct financial transactions that involved the proceeds of distributing marijuana.
In 2004, he established a bank account in Florida. This account was used for receiving more than USD 270 000 in drug proceeds. According to federal investigators, the money deposited in Florida was later withdrawn by and Gallegos, Jr. in Tucson.
The son of the singer, Adalberto Gallegos III, is charged with receiving nearly USD 62 000 in drug proceeds in a different bank account. The son, who has an outstanding arrest warrant from a previous unrelated case, is also being sought in relation with the money laundering charge.
On August 6, 2008 Gallegos, Jr. will be sued by U.S. District Court Judge Cindy Jorgenson. A conviction for money laundering he faces is a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a USD 500 000 fine, or both.