Staff

A traffic stop was conducted during Operation Lone Star on Wednesday, February 28, 2025, with the Live Oak County Sheriff Office and the Jim Wells County Criminal Interdiction Division. According to reports, they conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 281 and after speaking with the occupants Perez, Karla Lizeth and Rodriguez Garcia, Erika both residence of Mexico, deputies were granted consent to search the vehicle.

While searching the vehicle deputies noted multiple indicators that the occupants were involved in an apparent money laundering operation after they located an aftermarket compartment built within the vehicle.

Upon investigation, deputies located several containing U.S. currency concealed within the aftermarket compartment. A total of 36 packages were removed from the compartment.

Officials say upon further investigation, Perez and Rodriguez were placed under arrest and charged with Money Laundering of greater or equal to $150 thousand but less than $300 thousand and Unlawful Use of Criminal Instrument.

The total amount of currency located is $267,501.00. Perez and Rodriguez were each issued a bond of $150 thousand dollars for both charges.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.