Police Seize Money During Traffic Stop

Van Police Officer Preston Roberts recently seized a large amount of cash following a routine traffic stop last Friday night.

At approximately 9 p.m. on August 14 Roberts observed a Gray Ford Crown Victoria traveling North on South Oak St. with no license plate light.

Roberts pulled the vehicle over after the driver turned into the Love’s Travel Plaza parking lot.

According to a report by Roberts, when he approached the vehicle, he smelled the strong odor of marijuana.

The report went on to state, that after conversations with the driver and two passengers in the vehicle, Roberts called for Officer Jacob Richardson and his K-9 partner, Narco, to come to his location to search the vehicle.

Before the search of the vehicle began, Roberts searched one of the passengers in the vehicle who was identified as Orlando Dondre Gardner, 22, Simsboro Louisiana. He found a large amount of cash in Gardner’s pocket. The cash was banded with black rubber bands.

Upon further investigation and search of the vehicle, marijuana and pills were found.

Gardner admitted that the drugs and money were his.

The report states that based upon Roberts’ experience as a law enforcement officer, he knows that individuals who buy and sell narcotics usually carry large amounts of cash.

The K-9 also alerted to the money during an open air search of the vehicle.

A total of $2,520.00 was seized.

Gardner was arrested for delivery of marijuana five pounds or less but more than one-fourth ounce and manufacture or delivery of substance in penalty group 3 less than 28 grams. He was also issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

The driver of the vehicle, Christopher David Gardner, 33, was also arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon.

A .40 caliber pistol was found during the search of the vehicle and due to the fact that Gardner was engaged in criminal activity, he was arrested for carrying that weapon. He was also written citations for no insurance and defective equipment.

Both were transported to the Van Zandt County Jail without incident.