A traffic stop by the highway patrol sent four Houston-area residents to the Kendall County Detention Center on charges of money laundering and organized crime after officers recovered a gun, marijuana and $80,000 in a backpack.
The incident unfolded about 12:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in the 38000 block of Interstate 10 West when Department of Public Safety Trooper Jarrett Mieure noticed a 2024 Hyundai Elantra with what appeared to be an expired license plate and illegal window tint, officials said.
Mieure pulled the car over and smelled “the distinct odor of marijuana” coming from inside when he walked up to the vehicle, according to reports.
Three men and a woman occupied the car, investigators said.
Troopers found a baggie of marijuana, a Glock 43X pistol and a backpack on the rear floorboard with about $80,000 bundled inside, according to a report.
Upon finding the cash-stuffed backpack, “I immediately detained all occupants and handcuffed ... and separated them,” Mieure said.
More officers arrived, and Mieure noted in his report the occupants offered various accounts about their status.
Due to the inconsistencies in the stories, Mieure said he suspected the money in their possession “has a direct connection with criminal activity-drug sales.”
According to reports, the woman — who said the gun belonged to her — told officers the four had traveled to New Mexico to visit family. She also said she was unaware of the money, even though Mieure said the backpack “was sitting on the floor next to her leg.”
Luchin said the marijuana was his, but not the money, according to troopers.
Officers were also told the four took two vehicles to El Paso — a black Dodge Charger belonging to Luchin and the Hyundai. The woman said one of her companions sold the Charger in El Paso for $60,000 and the money belonged to him.
All four were taken to the county lockup and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a second-degree felony, and money laundering over $30,000-less than $150,000, a third-degree felony.
On Friday, officials identified them as Jada Dancer, 21, with bond set at $385,000; Chad Luchin, 22, with bond at $286,500; Jamyra Smith, 21, with bond at $290,000; and Montoi Weatherspoon, 24, bond set at $285,000.
According to investigators, Luchin also has a non-extraditable warrant out of Missouri for obstructing a court order and Weatherspoon has an active warrant out of Harris County for probation violation-use of vehicle.
Luchin also was charged with possession of marijuana under 2 ounces, and Smith faces an unlawful carrying of a weapon charge, officials said.
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