Parents and son indicted on federal money laundering charges
Christopher Vnuk and his parents, Stephen Vnuk and Sharon Vnuk have been indicted by a federal grand jury on money laundering charges. Money from trafficking high-grade marijuana was allegedly laundered through purchases of vehicles. The parents are also alleged to have purchased items on credit cards, and used drug money to pay the credit card bills and home equity loans.
One particular incident allegedly includes a home equity loan to purchase a $66,685 Mercedes Benz for the son’s use. The bulk of that loan was paid off with drug money.
Christopher is already serving seven years in prison for drug offenses. He was arrested in 2003 after knocking on the door of an apartment which already had undercover police officers inside for an unrelated narcotics investigation. Police found 1 1/2 pounds of high grade marijuana on him, with a street value of $6,500 to $7,700 per pound. Police then went to his parents’ house and found more marijuana packaged for sale and hidden cash.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of the parents’ $400,000 home, 3 vehicles, and over $15,000 cash.
