Published: January 12, 2009 11:37 pm         

$16,000 in cash seized after ISP stops out-of-state motorist

Indiana State Police seized more than $16,000 in cash from a motorist stopped by a trooper Sunday on Interstate 70 near Terre Haute.

A police drug dog, “Sabre,” alerted to the area of the trunk, where police found $13,205 wrapped in blue jeans inside a duffle bag, police said. No drugs were found. The driver also was carrying cash.

Trooper Mike Finney had pulled over the out-of-state motorist for speeding and a passing violation.

The money will be kept by State Police as evidence pending the completion of an investigation, review by the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office and the subsequent forfeiture process. A judge ultimately will determine if the motorist must forfeit the money.

The driver was given a ticket for a passing violation, and released. Narcotics dogs might alert to the scent of drugs even when none are present, said Sgt. Joe Watts, State Police public information officer. The money previously may have been in the same room as drugs, he said, or be carrying drug residue.