SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A 46-year-old Riverside, California woman has been sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison for her role in a drug-related money laundering scheme.
Destiny Canty received payments from co-conspirators in South Dakota and other locations using electronic platforms such as Cash App, direct deposits and Western Union, according to federal prosecutors. Authorities said she knew the money was from illegal drug sales. Canty then transferred the money to the leader of the drug trafficking organization in an effort to conceal the narcotics-related source and true ownership of the money.
Investigators determined Canty personally laundered about $80,000. In total, the organization she was associated with laundered more than $700,000.
“Our law enforcement partners are using every available tool to dismantle drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons. “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.”
A federal grand jury indicted Canty in May 2024 for conspiracy to commit money laundering. She pleaded guilty in November 2025.
“We use our financial expertise to track down members of these organizations to shut down their funding sources and bring them to justice. Each one who goes to prison is a victory for our communities,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Emily’s Hope has also reported on several other cases involving drug trafficking between California and South Dakota, including three men who were sentenced in federal court for transporting large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California into the Sioux Falls area.
