Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reported on the afternoon of 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 I10 W/B at the 665 MM near Engle for a traffic violation.
Upon contact with the driver, Smith observed criminal indicators consistent with drug traf- ficking. Smith asked for consent to search the truck and it was granted by the driver and his passenger. During the search of the t ruck, Smith located five bundles of bulk US currency in the toolbox 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 were Hector Sanchez, 46, and the passenger Teresita Cruz-Vara, 43, both of Laredo.
The subjects were charged with Felony Money Laundering.
The total amount of bundled currency seized was $191,900.
