Money laundering scheme worth $29K discovered during Panola County traffic stop
Posted/updated on: July 16, 2026 at 3:23 pm
PANOLA COUNTY (KETK) — A traffic stop in Panola County led to the discovery of a nearly $30,000 money laundering scheme on early Thursday morning.
According to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy conducted a routine traffic stop on State Highway 315 in Long Branch at 3:15 a.m. for a traffic violation.
During the stop, the deputy observed several indicators of criminal activity including false statements from the driver. The deputy requested a K9 unit, which gave a positive alert for narcotics prompting a search of the vehicle.
Within the vehicle, a bag containing multiple bundles of money wrapped in rubber bands were found, totaling over $29,000.
The driver, Jose De Jesus Torres, Jr. of McAllen was arrested for money laundering $2,500 to $30,000, which is a state jail felony. The currency was held as it awaits a seizure hearing.
Additionally, there were two children in the vehicle who were released to Child Protective Services and later placed with other family members.
