Kayla Tisdale, a 37-year-old resident of Little River, pleaded guilty on Apr. 22 to misprision of felony for concealing a scheme that laundered assets purchased with funds from drug trafficking.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to prosecute individuals involved in laundering proceeds from illegal drug operations. According to evidence presented at her plea hearing, Tisdale was previously in a relationship with a large-scale drug trafficker who distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine. She admitted to helping launder at least $750,000 in assets obtained through the trafficking business by depositing money across multiple banks, trading cryptocurrency, and purchasing gold bullion in an attempt to hide the source of the funds.
Much of the evidence came after Tisdale’s accomplice was arrested on drug charges. Investigators obtained recorded jail calls where the trafficker instructed Tisdale to conceal certain assets from law enforcement. Instead of reporting these crimes, she took steps to hide them.
Tisdale now faces up to three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson accepted her guilty plea and will determine sentencing after reviewing a report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI Columbia Field Office investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina protects communities and ensures justice for residents according to its official website. The office operates across South Carolina from locations including Columbia, Charleston, Florence and Greenville; it manages criminal prosecutions, civil cases and collections for the federal government with a team of 120 prosecutors and support professionals according to its official website.
