Four Murfreesboro members of a multi-state money laundering ring have been charged

On November 28, 2024By Pranco

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Several members of a multi-state money laundering organization have been charged in a vast conspiracy, according to the Department of Justice.

The DOJ said the nine members charged allegedly laundered more than $20 million through Internet fraud, including compromising corporate email programs.

The group was arrested in a coordinated bust in three jurisdictions. All have been charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday in Nashville.

The costs charged include:

Samson A. Omoniyi, 43 of Houston, Texas
Misha L. Cooper, 50 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Robert A. Cooper, 66 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Carlesha L. Perry, 36 of Houston, Texas
Whitney D. Bardley, 30 of Florissant, MO
Lauren O. Guidry, 32 of Houston, Texas
Caira Y. Osby, 44 of Houston, Texas
Dazai S. Harris, 34 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro, Tenn

The indictment alleged that the group was a member of a “long-running money laundering organization.” They are suspected of operating in and around Tennessee, Texas and across the country since November 2016.

“The conspirators allegedly structured the organization so that recruiters or ‘herders’ recruited and directed participants or ‘money mules’ to launder funds obtained from Internet fraud targeting companies and individuals in the United States and abroad,” the DOJ said . “The defendants allegedly used sham and front companies to conceal the proceeds of the fraud and enrich the members of the conspiracy.”

The nine indicted members each face a prison sentence of up to 20 years if convicted.