Monica Dominguez Torres, a 36-year-old from Mexico, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a transnational criminal organization she led. The charges include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Her organization operated methamphetamine conversion laboratories in the Atlanta area and laundered millions of dollars in drug proceeds back to Mexico.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the case, stating, "Dominguez’s elaborate criminal operation has been dismantled, and more than $3.5 million of illicit drug proceeds have been seized as a result of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners’ diligent work."
Jae W. Chung from the DEA Atlanta Division remarked on the impact of their efforts: “Through hard work, this drug trafficking and money laundering network has been removed from our streets.”
Steven N. Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations emphasized the significance of this conviction: “This conviction sends a strong message to those who think they can live a life of luxury funded by illegal activities.”
IRS Criminal Investigation's Demetrius Hardeman noted the broader implications: “Monica Torres led a transnational organized crime organization, which like others of its nature, threatens the national and economic security of the United States.”
The investigation revealed that Dominguez's group converted liquid methamphetamine into crystal form for sale in Atlanta and elsewhere. They also used residences in Atlanta for collecting cash from drug sales before laundering it back to Mexico.
Dominguez is scheduled for sentencing on September 15, 2025. She faces significant penalties including up to life imprisonment for her drug trafficking conviction and up to 20 years for money laundering.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigations, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. DeGenova and Nicholas L. Evert are prosecuting this case as part of Operation Take Back America under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at eliminating major criminal organizations.
For further information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.