Individual Confesses to Routing Cocaine Finances via Casinos
A 41-year-old man from Pensacola, Florida, Rayvaughn Andrews, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, as well as money laundering[1][4]. The criminal operation, which ran from 2021 to 2024, involved the distribution of large amounts of cocaine in Escambia County, Florida, and surrounding areas[1][2].
According to the US Attorney's Office, the ill-gotten money from the drug sales was laundered through casinos, with Andrews purchasing casino chips with cash at Harrah’s Casino on numerous occasions in 2023[2]. The money laundering amount is estimated to be over $10 million, with the proceeds originating from the sale of cocaine[1][2].
Andrews' criminal activities were part of a larger cocaine trafficking and money laundering network that spanned multiple states[1][2]. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and other local law enforcement outfits[5].
The charges against Andrews include conspiracy to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for September 23, 2025[1][2]. The case has also involved asset forfeiture as part of the plea agreement[2].
John Heekin, the US Attorney, stated that those who profit from drug trafficking in the Northern District of Florida will find themselves in federal prison[3]. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and related financial crimes in the region.
| Detail | Information | |---------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Name | Rayvaughn Andrews | | Age | 41 | | Location | Pensacola, Florida | | Crimes | Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; money laundering | | Cocaine trafficking period | 2021 to 2024 | | Money laundering amount | Over $10 million | | Laundering method | Casinos in Mississippi and Nevada, including Harrah’s Casino | | Sentencing date | September 23, 2025 | | Maximum penalty | Up to life in prison |
[1] US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida [2] Department of Justice [3] John Heekin, US Attorney [4] Federal court records [5] Investigating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and local law enforcement outfits.
General news reports that a $10 million money laundering operation, led by Rayvaughn Andrews, involved casino games and gambling, as seen through transactions at Harrah's Casino. The ongoing crime-and-justice story highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Florida Department of Law Enforcement, to combat such illicit activities in the casino-and-gambling industry in the region.
