FAYETTE CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE FINDS $29,000 DURING TRAFFIC STOP

  

A Laredo man was taken into custody by Fayette County authorities on money laundering charges.

Around noon on Tuesday, Fayette County Drug Interdiction Investigator David Smith stopped a Volkswagen Jetta on I-10 near Flatonia for traffic violations.  Upon making contact with the driver, Smith reported observing several criminal indicators and received consent to search the vehicle.

A Crown Royal bag was located inside, with air fresheners placed around the bag.  In the bag was a large amount of cash banded, which the sheriff’s office said is consistent with drug trafficking.  The total amount of cash seized was $29,000. 

Smith, assisted by Deputy Herman Olvera, asked the passenger about the money in the vehicle.  The passenger said he had no idea about the money.

The driver, 31-year-old Ivan Mauricio Gonzalez, was placed under arrest for felony Money Laundering and transported to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center.  The passenger was released with the vehicle.