Former California State Senator Leland Yee Pleads Not Guilty to 2 New Money Laundering Federal Charges

After his arrest last spring, former Democratic California state Senator Leland Yee has pleaded not guilty to barrage of federal charges, including bribery and gun running, with the assistance of notorious San Francisco mobster “Shrimp Boy” Chow. On February 4th, Yee’s indictment saw two new money laundering federal charges, for which the former Senator has also pleaded not guilty.

The revised indictment features a total of 230 federal charges for 27 defendants. Because of the size and complexity of the case, the judge said he would hold two separate trials. Yee and three co-conspirators are scheduled to go to trial on the federal charges in June this year.

Yee himself now faces a total of 13 federal charges, including money laundering federal charges, corruption, and racketeering.

The latest money laundering federal charges allege that on July 16th, 2013, Yee and his former campaign consultant Keith Jackson attempted to deposit three checks, totaling $12,600, into Yee’s account with Wells Fargo which held his contributions to his secretary of state campaign. The revised indictment alleges that the two deposited the checks knowing that they “represented the proceeds” of unlawful activities.

Another of the new federal charges alleges that Yee and Jackson deposited two other checks for $3,000 into the same account in March of that year, and the funds had a similar origin. The donors have not been indicted, because the money was allegedly tied to a “donation” made by an undercover agent that was tied to a $6,800 account for illegal military-grade weapons purchases.

Federal Charges for RICO Violations in South Carolina

Our firm provides extensive experience representing clients in major criminal cases and investigations involving wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and RICO violations. While we strive to resolve matters discreetly through aggressive negotiation, our South Carolina federal corruption charges attorneys will not hesitate to take your case to trial.

Our Columbia, SC federal corruption and criminal defense lawyers handle cases involving:

• Fraudulent insurance claims
• Bond issuances and investment schemes
• Falsifying loan applications
• Check fraud schemes
• Bribes or kickbacks
• False advertising or misrepresentation in sales transactions
• Murder or murder-for-hire,
• the transportation and distribution of drugs,
• gambling,
• embezzlement,
• extortion,
• theft/armed robbery,
• money laundering, and
• bribery
• Other RICO violations

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Federal Charges

Being arrested or investigated for money laundering federal charges, or federal corruption charges, including bribery, wire fraud, and extortion, can be very stressful. However, just because you are under a great deal of pressure does not mean that you are automatically guilty, or that you have no rights in court. For experienced RICO and federal criminal charges defense attorneys who will fight for your rights and work to have your charges reduced or even dismissed, contact the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, today. We offer free, confidential consultations so that you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity, in a safe environment. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800.