https://www.wesh.com/article/florida-man-pleads-guilty-money-laundering-case-wifes-death/64461587

A Florida man pleaded guilty to money laundering charges Friday in a case connected to his wife's death and a Colombian drug trafficking ring.

Miguel Aguasvivas Lazardo entered the plea in federal court. Authorities say his wife was found dead in a burned SUV in Osceola County on April 11, 2023, after a car chase and shooting.

Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said investigators quickly determined the attack on Aguasvivas' wife was not random.

"The perpetrators knew exactly who they were going after," Lemma said. "Why they were going after her is part of the investigation."

Detectives discovered Aguasvivas was involved with a Colombian drug trafficking organization. His wife would collect drug money in Orlando, transport it to South Florida, and convert it to cryptocurrency. The couple received a small percentage of the laundered funds.

Investigators say Aguasvivas' wife was killed after picking up approximately $170,000. The couple is believed to have laundered over $1 million.

Aguasvivas faces up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled.