Traffic stop uncovers money laundering scheme

SMITH COUNTY — A routine traffic stop for speeding in Smith County resulted in the arrest of a man wanted on a drug-related warrant. Authorities also seized nearly $30,000 in cash, a firearm and evidence suggesting a money laundering scheme. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County deputies stopped a vehicle on Dec. 28 along Highway 31 East and identified the driver, Tyler James Starling, who was wanted on an active warrant for possession of approximately 10 pounds of marijuana that authorities say had been smuggled and left at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Starling was taken into custody, and deputies searched his vehicle, where they seized a handgun, a cellphone and $29,528 in cash, Smith County arresting documents revealed.

When asked about his employment, Starling told deputies he owned a trucking company. Investigators later confirmed the company existed but found the LLC had been inactive. A search of the Texas Workforce Commission showed no reported work history for Starling, and company mileage records indicated roughly 1,000 miles driven since the business was formed in 2021.

Investigators said the company’s records did not support Starling’s possession of the cash.

A search warrant was later executed on Starling’s cellphone, which investigators said revealed text messages with multiple individuals discussing the sale and purchase of narcotics, along with photos that showed bulk quantities of marijuana.

Starling was booked into the Smith County Jail on Jan. 3 on a charge of money laundering between $2,500 and $30,000. Affidavit records show his bond was set at $500,000.