Lorena Perez Herrera of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on April 27 to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,473,125.58 in restitution for her involvement in a multi-million dollar money laundering conspiracy. Judge Matthew J. Maddox also imposed one year of supervised release following Herrera’s prison term.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat large-scale financial crimes that target government entities and private organizations. According to Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, “This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” The HSTF aims to dismantle criminal organizations operating within and outside U.S. borders.
Court documents show that from 2020 through November 2023, Herrera worked with others to launder proceeds from wire fraud schemes affecting victims such as an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation company, school district, college, and county government. The group created shell companies and opened bank accounts under false names to conceal illicit funds.
The investigation has led to charges against fourteen individuals; thirteen have pleaded guilty while one remains a fugitive. Several co-conspirators received sentences ranging from two years up to six years in federal prison along with substantial restitution orders totaling millions of dollars.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website. The office serves nearly six million residents across Maryland according to its official website and employs over 200 personnel across civil, criminal and administrative divisions according to its official website. It prosecutes federal crimes—including complex financial offenses—handles civil cases on behalf of the government and collects debts owed by individuals or corporations according to its official website.
The office traces its origins back more than two centuries and continues partnering with law enforcement agencies at all levels according to its official website. Alumni include leaders who have gone on into prominent judicial or governmental roles according to its official website. Hayes said she commended local police departments as well as federal investigators for their work on this case.
