$12.8K Seized In Traffic Stop

WILLS POINT—Three men were taken into custody for questioning after a traffic stop revealed a large amount of U.S. currency and conflicting stories.

Department of Public Safety Trooper Brady Lunceford stopped a 1998 Chevrolet vehicle registered in Louisiana on Interstate 20 eastbound at the 518 mile marker for no license plate lamp, at 9:20 p.m., on June 19.

The driver Mark
Anthony Alsay, 36, Donaldsonville, LA., was accompanied by two other people: front seat passenger Jeremy James Washington, 29, Donaldsonville LA; and rear back seat passenger Demarris Kentrall Chatman, 28, Baton Rogue LA.

"Alsay and Washington both had conflicting stories regarding their trip and length of stay, and they were both exhibiting signs of nervousness and deception," Lunceford said. "There was no clothing in the vehicle for the length of stay."

Lunceford explained that one advised they had been in Dallas three days and the other advised one week.

Both men had extensive criminal histories for a wide variety of charges.

Lunceford asked for and was given consent to search the vehicle.

In Washington’s possession, Lunceford located approximately $4,505 in U.S. currency.

"Washington advised he was a full-time college student and the currency was from a student loan," Lunceford said. "Washington advised he had been trying to buy an 18-wheeler in Dallas but could not find one."

In a plastic bag in center console Lunceford also located an additional $8,320 U.S. currency.

Altogether they were carrying $12,825.

Lunceford said Alsay claimed that money, and he also advised that he had been in Dallas trying to buy an 18-wheeler.

"None of the occupants had a commercial driver’s license, and there was no receipts, withdrawal notices from banks, or pay stubs to account for the money," Lunceford said.

Lunceford said DPS narcotics responded and took custody of the currency to begin forfeiture proceedings.

Alsay and Washington were given a receipt for the currency and released.

Chatman was arrested on an
outstanding warrant out of Dallas County for failure to pay child support.