Money launderer receives probation after guilty plea
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Nabbed with more than $100,000 in drug money near Louise this summer, a Houston man will spend the next two years being watched by authorities.

Community supervision is just part of the requirements of the two-year deferred adjudication probation sentenced Christian Joel Garza, 24, of 2415 S. Voss #K-13 in Houston agreed to as he pleaded guilty to money laundering.

That plea agreement was accepted by 329th District Judge Randy Clapp.

If Garza is able to abide by all terms, the conviction won't be held against him in the future.

On July 31, DPS Trooper Alfred Ochoa stopped Garza's speeding 2004 Nissan Maxima in the southbound lanes of U.S. 59 near Louise.

As the trooper interviewed Garza, he became suspicious and requested permission to search the vehicle.

Garza consented and in the rear seat compartment a DPS K-9 found six bundles of cash which had been vacuum-sealed and wrapped in duct tape.

Counted, the cash totaled $113,635.