Algonquin Man Convicted On Money Laundering, Drug Charges

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A 36-year-old Algonquin man is headed to prison after being convicted on money laundering and possession of marijuana charges.

Christopher Galie pleaded guilty to both of the felony charges and was sentenced to eight years in prison on the drug charge and to five years in prison on the money laundering charge, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office. The sentences will be served at the same time.

The charges stem from a June 2019 investigation into marijuana sales in the McHenry County area. The McHenry County Sheriff's Office conducted a search at Galie's home and found 68 pounds of marijuana products, according to a news release.

Sheriff's office investigators also learned Galie laundered more than $500,000 in drug proceeds over the course of several years, according to a news release.

Officers successfully pursued the proceeds of Galie’s money laundering through multiple cryptocurrency exchanges based in the United States, Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands and the Netherlands, authorities said.

During this investigation, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office seized approximately $650,000
worth of cryptocurrency, nearly $250,000 of U.S. cash and other assets, including
gold and silver bars that are now valued at about $150,000. This property was all forfeited to the
state of Illinois under the Drug Asset Forfeiture Act.