A longtime Internal Revenue Service employee was indicted on charges of laundering the proceeds of marijuana sales.
Maggie Cooper, 62, of Memphis, Tenn., a 27-year veteran IRS tax analyst, was indicted last Thursday in a 38-count indictment charging her with money laundering and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment alleges that beginning in or about 2011 and continuing through September 2012, Cooper conspired with others to conduct financial transactions with proceeds obtained from marijuana trafficking.
According to prosecutors, she would make purchases in her name with money derived from her co-conspirators’ unlawful activity, with the understanding that the purchased items would be paid for and owned by the co-conspirator, including the purchase of a 2007 Jaguar XKR.
Prosecutors also allege that Cooper allowed bank accounts to be opened in her name for her co-conspirator to facilitate marijuana purchases and sales.
If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison, in addition to fines of up to $500,000 and criminal forfeiture as alleged in the indictment.
This investigation was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deb Ireland represents the government.
