ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
Hiram Grau - Director
NEWS
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT |
| Date: November 16, 2011 | Trooper Mike Link |
| Time: 11:20 a.m. | 618.346.3524 - Office |
| 618.973.3050 - Cell | |
| mike.link@isp.state.il.us |
Illinois State Police Seize Large Sum of Currency
Traffic stop leads to the discovery of $300,000 cash.
MADISON COUNTY, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 stopped a purple Dodge Durango on November 12, 2011 at 9:48 a.m. on Interstate 70 heading westbound near Highland, Illinois.
The Chevrolet was stopped for improper lane usage and further investigation led to the Trooper suspecting possible criminal activity. The Trooper asked for, and was given, consent to search the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 30 rectangular bundles sealed with electric tape. The bundles contained cash and were hidden inside two boxes of new home audio equipment. The 30 bundles of U.S. currency were later determined to contain a total of $300,000 cash.
“I don’t know of anyone who has a legitimate reason for carrying around $300,000 cash,” said District 11 Commander, Captain Brad Parsons. “And if you do have a legitimate reason for it, you’re not going to say that the money isn’t yours and deny you knew it was in the vehicle with you,” he continued.
The driver of the vehicle signed a disclaimer form which disavowed any knowledge of the money. The money was seized and the driver was questioned and released.
“The Illinois State Police acknowledges the on-going law enforcement partnership with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois and the Drug Enforcement Administration in this investigation,” said Captain Parsons.
The investigation is ongoing.
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One Driving Fatality is One too Many and the Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities a Reality
www.isp.state.il.us / TDD: 1-800-255-3323
