Valdosta, Georgia- August 10, 2012

Sheriff Chris Prine stated that on Tuesday, August 7 a deputy assigned to the Interstate Criminal Enforcement unit observed a Chevrolet HHR traveling north on I-75 committing traffic violations including a failure to wear a seatbelt and failure to maintain lane. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was identified as an Alpharetta, Georgia resident. The passenger, who spoke little English, was found to be from Florida, although he was unable to provide an address. During the course of the traffic stop the deputy noticed that the vehicle occupants were excessively nervous. A search of the vehicle was conducted by the deputies which led to the discovery of approximately $41,000.00 cash hidden inside the dash of the vehicle.

During an investigation of the events, the driver and passenger denied ownership or knowledge of the money being in the vehicle. The money was seized and the occupants released without charges.

Due to no criminal charges having been filed the names of the driver and passenger have not been released.

According to Sheriff Prine the deputies assigned to the Interstate Criminal Enforcement unit are continuously working to enforce the laws and striving to investigate more than the traffic violations they observe.