. The charges were unsealed yesterday in Nashville, Tennessee, following coordinated arrests in three states.
The indictment charges the defendants—ranging in age from 30 to 66—with conspiracy to engage in money laundering. The accused individuals are:
- Samson A. Omoniyi, 43, Houston, TX
- Misha L. Cooper, 50, Murfreesboro, TN
- Robert A. Cooper, 66, Murfreesboro, TN
- Carlesha L. Perry, 36, Houston, TX
- Whitney D. Bardley, 30, Florissant, MO
- Lauren O. Guidry, 32, Houston, TX
- Caira Y. Osby, 44, Houston, TX
- Dazai S. Harris, 34, Murfreesboro, TN
- Edward D. Peebles, 35, Murfreesboro, TN
The individuals are accused of being part of an extensive operation that has allegedly been active since at least November 2016, operating out of Tennessee, Texas, and other states across the U.S. According to court documents, the defendants served various roles in the criminal conspiracy, with some acting as “recruiters” or “herders,” who directed individuals to act as “money mules” to launder funds obtained through fraudulent schemes.
The money laundering organization primarily targeted business email compromise (BEC) frauds, a type of scam where cybercriminals hack into legitimate business email accounts to trick employees into transferring funds to fraudulent accounts. The defendants are accused of laundering more than $20 million in fraudulently obtained money. They allegedly used fake companies and front operations to disguise the illicit funds and enrich members of the conspiracy.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee, and FBI Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough made the announcement, underscoring the seriousness of the charges.
“The Justice Department remains committed to dismantling money laundering networks that fuel internet fraud and cause financial harm to individuals and businesses alike,” said Argentieri. “This case demonstrates our continued efforts to hold criminals accountable for these complex, multi-jurisdictional crimes.”
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A judge will determine sentencing based on federal sentencing guidelines and other factors.
The investigation was led by the FBI Nashville and Salt Lake City Field Offices, with support from the Boise Resident Agency and the FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team, who assisted in tracking the financial transactions tied to the criminal network.
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
