$191,900 Seized After Traffic Stop

Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports on Tuesday, Aug. 22 around 2:05 p.m. Fayette County Drug Interdiction Investigator David Smith conducted a traffic stop on a 2015 Ford truck dually on I-10 west bound at the 665 mile marker near Engle for a traffic violation.

Upon contact with the driver Smith observed criminal indicators consistent with drug trafficking. Smith asked for consent to search the truck and it was granted by the driver and his passenger. During the search of the truck Smith located five bundles of bulk US currency in the tool box of the truck. Both subjects denied knowledge of the currency. Assisting Smith at the scene was Sgt. Randy Thumann, his canine “Kolt”, and Deputy Herman Olvera. Arrested was 46-year-old Hector Sanchez and the passenger 43-year-old Teresita Cruz-Vara, both of Laredo.

The subjects were transported to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center and charged with Felony Money Laundering. The total amount of bundled currency seized was $191,900.00.