Woman sentenced to federal prison for international cocaine trafficking, money laundering

PITTSBURGH — Woman sentenced to federal prison for international cocaine trafficking, money laundering

A woman who used to live in Florida and Jamaica was sentenced to federal prison time after an investigation into an international cocaine trafficking organization and money laundering operation with ties to western Pennsylvania.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Marcia Cunningham, 54, was sentenced to 178 months — almost 15 years — in federal prison and five years of probation upon her release.

Investigators said Cunningham was part of the drug trafficking organization and arranged for multiple kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to be distributed through the U.S. postal system. The drugs would be sent to customers around the country, including here in western Pennsylvania. Officials said she set up a post office box using a fake name and fake identification documents.

Federal investigators said Cunningham used dozens of bank accounts to launder the drug trafficking money, which she then used to buy luxury vehicles, real estate, jewelry and other items that “supported her exorbitant lifestyle.” Officials said she also bought assets in Jamaica where she hoped to eventually live.

Cunningham had immigrated to the United States from the Caribbean island nation.

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