NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 1, 2026United States
Illinois Cannabis Co-Founder Sentenced to Prison for Money Laundering
David Berger, a co-founder of the Illinois cannabis company Ivy Hall, was sentenced to one year in federal prison for laundering cash used to book private jets for a Mexican cocaine trafficker. Berger was convicted of structuring cash deposits to evade federal reporting requirements and using the funds to charter 18 flights.
Read the full story at Chicago Sun-TimesWhy It Matters
The sentencing marks the end of Berger's involvement in the cannabis industry, as his state operator license has been terminated and he has resigned from his company following his conviction.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
personOswaldo Espinosa“Mexican cocaine trafficker linked to the money laundering scheme.”personPatrick Blegen“Defense attorney for David Berger.”organizationAmerican Express“Credit card company used by Berger to pay for jet charters.”personDmitri “Dean” Katamanin“Deceased associate of Berger who allegedly connected him to Espinosa.”personDavid Berger“Co-founder of Ivy Hall cannabis company sentenced for money laundering.”personJorge Alonso“U.S. District Judge who presided over the sentencing.”personJB Pritzker“Governor of Illinois who attended an Ivy Hall ribbon-cutting ceremony.”organizationIvy Hall“Illinois cannabis company co-founded by Berger.”