A Riverside, California, woman is headed to federal prison after funneling tens of thousands of dollars in drug money through electronic payment apps to hide its illegal origins. Destiny Canty, 46, was sentenced on February 9, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 34 months behind bears for her role in a conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The sentence follows a 2024 grand jury indictment and a subsequent guilty plea entered by Canty in November 2025.
Federal investigators found that Canty acted as a financial bridge for a drug trafficking organization, moving roughly $80,000 using services like CashApp, Western Union, and direct electronic deposits.
By cycling the cash through these platforms, she attempted to mask the fact that the money came from illegal narcotics sales. While Canty personally handled $80,000, the broader organization she was tied to laundered more than $700,000 in total.
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“Our law enforcement partners are using every available tool to dismantle drug trafficking organizations,” stated U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons following the sentencing. “That includes following the money and prosecuting those who try to launder it for these criminal groups. For this defendant, and many more to come, the money trail ends in a federal prison cell.”
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Officials noted that targeting the financial infrastructure of these groups is a primary strategy for disrupting their operations.
William Steenson, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, emphasized that using financial expertise to shut down funding sources is a key priority for the agency. “Each one who goes to prison is a victory for our communities,” Steenson said.
In addition to her nearly three-year prison term, Canty will serve one year of supervised release and must pay a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Following the hearing, she was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service to begin her sentence. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges.
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California Woman Traded Laundering For A Prison Cell In $80k Drug Money Scheme
