McAllen, TX — A federal judge has set a $100,000 bond for a Rio Grande Valley businessman accused of laundering money for La Nueva Familia Michoacana, a Mexican drug cartel designated by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization.
Federal prosecutors allege 32-year-old Fernando Mireles, of San Juan, used his ropa usada business to launder money for the cartel.
During a bond hearing Thursday, prosecutors argued Mireles should remain in custody, alleging he admitted to purchasing a Ford F-250 and two firearms for the cartel. Authorities said the weapons were later recovered in Mexico.
Homeland Security Investigations arrested Mireles in July as part of a federal investigation examining alleged links between drug cartels and used clothing businesses in the Rio Grande Valley.
Investigators said agents also recovered approximately $86,000 in cash and four firearms from the home Mireles shared with his wife.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane denied the government's request to hold Mireles without bond but increased his bond to $100,000, requiring a $50,000 cash deposit.
Mireles is charged with smuggling goods from the United States, money laundering, and employing individuals not authorized to work in the country. His wife, Yarely Sanchez Carbajal, also faces federal charges and remains detained without bond.
All criminal charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.