SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFFS OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Large Amount of Cash Found in Vehicle After Traffic Stop

Santa Rosa County Narcotics Deputies located a large amount of cash after obtaining a search warrant for a vehicle that was stopped by deputies on 4/09/09 . On that date at approximately 2200 hours, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Garcon Point Road in Milton . The driver of the Jeep attempted to elude the deputy and travelled west on Interstate 10 while driving erratically. After a short distance, the driver of the vehicle ran off the Interstate and crashed into a fence and the tree line. The deputy observed the driver exit the Jeep and run into a wooded area. The suspect was later located near the off ramp at the 26 mile marker and taken into custody. The suspect had a Texas Driver's License with the name Victor Gil Aleman, Jr., H/M, 26 years old. The suspect's driver's license was revoked. A search of the suspect yielded a baggie containing a small amount of cocaine and $750.00 in cash. More cocaine was found in the vehicle, along with a black leather bag containing $1200.00 in cash. A large kitchen knife was also found hidden near the driver's seat. The suspect's cell phone contained a photograph of four Hispanic males with their heads removed and placed on a table. The suspect told Deputies that he ran because he was scared for the drugs being in the Jeep. The suspect was charged that night for reckless driving, possession of cocaine, resisting without violence, and carrying a concealed weapon. The Jeep and the money that was located that night was seized by the Sheriff's Office pending a hearing before a judge. He was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail with no bond.

On 05/01/09 , Narcotics Deputies looked further into the situation and intelligence was gathered that resulted in obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle. This was done in order to conduct a more thorough search. Narcotics Deputies searched the Jeep in a secure facility and found $100,650.00 in cash hidden in secret compartments and underneath the upholstery of the seats. The cash was vacuum sealed in plastic bags. The suspect was later interviewed about the money being found and denied any knowledge of the money being in the vehicle. The Sheriff's Office is pursuing the seizure of that money as well. Deputies have determined that Aleman is in the United States illegally and is possibly utilizing a false name and identification. He remains in the Santa Rosa County Jail with no bond. A mug shot of Aleman is attached to this email, along with photographs of the money found and the Jeep.

SUSPECT:

Victor Gil Aleman, H/M, 26 years old

100 Block of Hattaway Drive , Altamonte Springs , FL

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit (850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net