Hidden cash seized in traffic stop
DPS charges two with money laundering after U.S. 59 stop near Louise Wednesday
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

FINDERS KEEPERS: These 12 bundles of cash totaling $65,283 were found by DPS troopers in the side panels of the rear passenger compartment of a Chevrolet Suburban stopped Wednesday for speeding near Louise. Contributed Photo

A state trooper stopped an SUV for speeding near Louise Wednesday, but ended up finding and seizing more than $65,000 in suspected drug money.

According to Sgt. Danny Terronez of the Texas Department of Public Safety office in Pierce, Trooper Stephen Pierce pulled over a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban with Georgia license plates around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday while the SUV was headed south on U.S. 59 near Louise.

Inside were the driver, Miguel Angel Blanco, 25, of San Juan and passenger Jesus Guillermo Sanchez, 18, of Weslaco.

"Both occupants showed signs of nervousness," Terronez said. "The occupants gave conflicting stories regarding their trip."

Suspicion aroused, Trooper Pierce asked the men if he could search the vehicle, and they agreed. Pierce then sent for Trooper Michael Hubenak and his K-9 partner Eric.

The dog not only alerted to the vehicle itself, but to 12 bundles of cash totaling $65,283 found in the side panels of the rear passenger compartment.

"The bundles were packaged consistent with currency related to drug trafficking," Terronez said. "Both occupants denied knowledge of of large amounts of currency in the vehicle before the search."

The money and vehicle, which had left Houston and was headed to Edinburg, were both seized. Blanco and Sanchez were arrested.

Each was charged with money laundering and taken to Wharton County Jail where they are being held in lieu of a $250,000 bond.

"The money already has been deposited into an interest-bearing account in Wharton County, and from there, it's up to the court system," Terronez said.

Although large cash seizures made by Pierce troopers have in the past been laid claim to by federal agencies, "this will be a state seizure," Terronez said.

That means the money likely will be split between the District Attorney's office and state coffers.

Besides Hubenak and Eric the K-9, Trooper Pierce was assisted by Terronez and Troopers Todd Respondek, David Chauvin, Alfred Ochoa and Jose Mena. El Campo police officers helped secure the vehicle, Terronez said, and representatives from the District Attorney's office - who will handle the case - went to the scene as well.

"Our guys are doing a good job, and the good cooperation we have with local law enforcement agencies and the district attorney's office makes our job a lot easier," Terronez said.

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