On Friday morning, February 23rd, shortly after 8 A.M., DPS Trooper Johnson and Trooper Rodriguez were on traffic enforcement duty on IH 30 westbound at MM 132 when they spotted a black Nissan Pathfinder parked on the shoulder. Concerned for the driver's safety, they approached the vehicle.
The driver, identified as Pablo Perez Argueta, was found to be operating the vehicle without a valid driver's license. During their interaction, Argueta displayed signs of nervousness. When he opened the center console to show his passport, the troopers glimpsed a significant amount of cash, prompting Argueta to quickly close it.
Argueta admitted to being aware of the cash but denied consent to search the vehicle. A DPS K9 unit was called to the scene, and the K9 alerted to something suspicious. Upon a probable cause search, a significant amount of U.S. currency was found in the console.
DPS CID was notified, and Argueta agreed to provide a statement at the DPS office in Sulphur Springs, TX. After the interview, it was suspected that the cash was obtained through illegal activities. Argueta was arrested on charges of money laundering and transported to Hopkins County Jail.
Pablo Hernain Perez-Argueta, 28, of Irving, Texas, faces charges of Money Laundering >=$30K<$150K. He was booked into the Hopkins County Detention Center.
