An Orlando woman who used her husband’s drug money to fund a lavish lifestyle was sentenced to five years in federal prison this week.
U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron handed down the sentence to 40-year-old Island Thi Truong following her guilty plea last August. In addition to prison, the court ordered the forfeiture of two properties and two luxury watches prosecutors said were purchased with illicit funds to conceal their origin.
Court documents revealed that Truong played a key financial role in her husband George Pherai-Bogeajis’ drug operation. While he trafficked large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, Truong worked to make the profits appear legitimate.
Investigators said Truong funneled more than $750,000 in illegal proceeds through a fake tax services company, using cash deposits and third-party nominees to write checks in exchange for cash, effectively laundering the money.
The funds supported expensive vacations and luxury items, including an 18-karat yellow gold Rolex valued at around $44,000.
Truong’s sentencing concludes the couple’s operation, while Pherai-Bogeajis has already been convicted of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and meth and was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison.