WINTER SPRINGS, FL – The husband of a woman who was kidnapped and murdered by a Colombian drug cartel has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Although not implicated in his wife’s death, Miguel Aguas Vivas admitted to laundering money for the cartel.
In a federal courtroom, Aguas Vivas expressed remorse for his actions and the pain caused to his family. He conveyed his desire to be present in his children’s lives, a wish that will have to wait until his release.
Aguas Vivas, a skilled barber, was involved with the cartel as a courier. His legal troubles began after his wife, Catherine, was abducted and killed over a dispute involving drug money she was transporting. This tragic event led to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea to conspiracy to launder money.
The judge handed down an 84-month sentence, exceeding the national average for such crimes. Aguas Vivas’ defense attorney argued that he played a minor role, merely transporting money without engaging in other aspects of the laundering process.
Family members, including Aguas Vivas’ mother, pleaded for leniency, citing the impact on his children. His seven-year-old daughter now lives with her grandmother, and he has four other children, including an infant born during his incarceration.
The judge noted that Aguas Vivas’ involvement with the cartel was not a one-time mistake. Despite previous encounters with law enforcement, he continued his activities, disregarding the potential consequences for his family.
The court emphasized that Catherine’s tragic death was a foreseeable risk of involvement with a dangerous enterprise. On the day of her abduction, Aguas Vivas had asked her to handle the money delivery, a decision that cost her life.
Both families attended the sentencing but chose not to comment publicly. The sentence has left them visibly distressed, especially with the likelihood of Aguas Vivas being deported to the Dominican Republic after serving his time.
His attorney has indicated plans to appeal the decision, with a 14-day window to proceed.