By Bethany Hooper
Jon Briceno, a 42-year-old man from Katy, Texas, pleaded guilty last week to an international money laundering conspiracy that defrauded several victims, including the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office.
On July 19, Briceno admitted to conspiracy to commit money laundering, having laundered over $8.7 million from romance and business email compromise scams. One significant victim was the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office, which lost $167,745 due to fraudulent transactions directed to a bank account he controlled.
The fraud incident, which took place between late 2020 and early 2021, involved a criminal gaining access to the Treasurer’s Office data system. Briceno posed as a legitimate vendor, tricking the county into releasing funds. Suspicion arose when inconsistencies were noted in the vendor account, leading to the investigation.
From June 2020 to February 2024, Briceno conspired with several individuals to carry out fraudulent schemes, utilizing shell companies and bank accounts to obscure their operations. He was identified as a leader in this money laundering conspiracy, directing co-conspirators to open various bank accounts in their names to facilitate the transfer of illicit funds.
In the case of Worcester County, Briceno’s co-conspirators managed to convince officials to release funds through 12 fraudulent payments ranging from $16.60 to $41,471.94, all under the guise of responding to a bill.
Following an investigation led by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with federal authorities, two individuals were arrested, and the county has since recovered approximately 80% of its losses. Efforts are ongoing to safeguard the county’s systems and operations.
Briceno’s extensive scheme spanned 14 states and six countries, laundering the stolen proceeds through numerous bank accounts. He allegedly used his share to purchase luxury items, invest in cryptocurrency, and lease space for a poker room.
In June 2022, authorities executed a search warrant at Briceno’s home, seizing bank records, pawn shop receipts, and electronic devices that contained key evidence. He was arrested at a new residence in February 2024.
Briceno now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 24. United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended law enforcement agencies for their diligent work in the investigation, particularly highlighting Detective Tom Moore from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for his efforts in bringing the case to prosecution.
