Deputy Sheriff Seizes Over $200,000 During Traffic Stop

Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that a McAllen man was arrested for money laundering after a deputy discovered more than $200,000 cash during a traffic stop last Friday.

The report stated that Drug Interdiction Investigator David Smith was patrolling Interstate 10 east of Flatonia when he pulled over a 2014 Ford pickup for a traffic violation around noon on March 22.

“After contract was made with the driver and occupants, many criminal indicators were observed and consent to search the vehicle was given,” the report said.

Sgt. Randy Thumann and his K-9 partner Kolt arrived to assist. Smith located the cash in the pickup’s spare tire, which contained 27 wrapped bundles of cash.

Amith arrested 58-year-old Silverio Gonzalez of McAllen for money laundering. The other occupants were transported to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office to wait for family members. The total amount of cash contained in the spare tire was $209,524.