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Federal prosecutors have charged two Los Angeles residents with operating a nationwide darknet drug business and laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency. The alleged operation sold fentanyl and methamphetamine through multiple online marketplaces and shipped narcotics across the U.S.
Pair Allegedly Operated HotGirlzClub Accounts
A Southern District of Florida grand jury indicted Nicholas Aguilar, 44, and Jessica Marcolina, 37. They face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Prosecutors allege that the pair operated darknet vendor accounts under the name HotGirlzClub. The accounts offered fentanyl, methamphetamine and other controlled substances to customers across the country, including buyers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The alleged activity began as early as 2020 and continued until the defendants were arrested. The operation regularly used the U.S. mail to distribute drug packages.
More than 500 parcels Linked to Operation
Investigators linked more than 500 parcels believed to contain narcotics to the operation during a seven-month period in 2025. The indictment does not state the total amount of fentanyl or methamphetamine allegedly sold.
Searches of the defendants’ California homes recovered suspected distribution quantities of controlled substances, packaging materials and U.S. Postal Service supplies. Investigators also found a label maker, heat and vacuum sealers, electronic devices and a food processor containing suspected drug residue.
Authorities recovered printed inserts that matched warnings included in undercover purchases. The notices warned customers about overdose risks, which prosecutors cited as evidence that the defendants understood the danger of the drugs they allegedly sold.
Crypto Allegedly Used to Hide Drug Proceeds
Aguilar and Marcolina allegedly converted and transferred cryptocurrency proceeds through transactions designed to hide the funds’ source and ownership. Prosecutors described the amount involved as hundreds of thousands of dollars but did not disclose the exact value, tokens used or wallet addresses.
The Justice Department has not provided details on whether the pair used centralized exchanges, mixers, privacy tools or transfers between self-controlled wallets. The indictment alleges a money laundering conspiracy but does not establish guilt.
The investigation involved the IRS Criminal Investigation Cyber Crimes Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Miami Counternarcotic Cyber Investigations Task Force. The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Fort Lauderdale Police Department also participated.
Search Also Uncovered Firearms Operation
Authorities allege that Aguilar possessed two loaded handguns and a rifle. Investigators also found evidence of an illegal firearms manufacturing operation involving ghost guns, suppressors and firearm receivers.
Search teams recovered fraudulent identification documents carrying the names of identity theft victims. The Justice Department did not announce separate identity theft or firearms counts in the July 15 release.
The drug trafficking conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Any sentence would be determined by a federal judge if the defendants are convicted.
Case Proceeds in Southern District of Florida
The case is being prosecuted in the Southern District of Florida under docket number 26-cr-20280. Prosecutors brought the case in Florida because the alleged operation distributed drugs to customers within the district. The charges have not been proven in court. Prosecutors must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
