Former Liberian Vice President Charged in Drug Trafficking Probe

Former West Palm Beach mayor Jewel Howard‑Taylor has been indicted on federal charges that allege she illegally facilitated the importation and distribution of controlled substances and engaged in a money‑laundering scheme to conceal the proceeds. The indictment, unsealed by a U.S. District Court in Miami, accuses Howard‑Taylor of acting as an intermediary for a network that moved narcotics into Florida and then used a series of shell companies and offshore accounts to disguise the illicit revenue.

According to the charging documents, Howard‑Taylor allegedly coordinated with overseas suppliers, arranged shipments through commercial freight channels, and oversaw the sale of the drugs to local distributors. Prosecutors say she also directed the conversion of drug proceeds into legitimate‑looking investments, violating the Bank Secrecy Act and related statutes. Howard‑Taylor has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing next month, after which a trial date will be set. If convicted, she faces significant prison time and forfeiture of assets tied to the alleged scheme.