$136,000 LOCATED IN VEHICLE ON I-10 WEDNESDAY
$136,000 was found hidden in a vehicle on I-10 Wednesday by Fayette County authorities.
(Fayette Co. Sheriff's Office)
Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Wednesday at 10:00am, Interdiction Investigator David Smith conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on I-10 for a traffic infraction.
Investigator David Smith detected several criminal indicators and consent to search was granted. During the search, Smith located tampering to a natural void in the rear wall of the vehicle. Smith then located several vacuum sealed bundles of US Currency, which were hidden and packaged consistent to that of drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The monies totaled $136,000.
Fayette Co. Jail photo
The driver, identified as 30 year old Herbert Martinez Jr, of Laredo, was arrested and charged with Money Laundering between 30 and 150 thousand dollars, a 3rd degree Felony. Martinez was transported to the Fayette County Jail.
What a shame the nice folks in Fayette County have to deal with this & sooner than later property values will dimish greatly & no one will want to live there & be known for drug &money trafficking. We all know too many established property owners there & they want this stopped. Yes a shame that stretch of Interstate 10 goes thru that county. OK good reason for the Wall being built & stop illegal travel. What a shame to live in fear because one of these days those traffickers are gonna escape on foot & never know who will be hiding on property owners land, barn or field. There has to be a stop to this. It’s already taken over this county & stretch of Interstate 10 . How these people get beyond Border patrol & crossing is indication there’s money payment at the crossing. Been going on forever. Congressman for that district needs to get involved & start with the Border crossing. Yes there’s lots of FM back roads for illegal travel but that can be covered as well today w/drones etc. Not sure if Congressman McCaul covers Fayette county but that could be a start. Am sure if not they will direct you to the correct person.