Driver sues feds after they search cab, confiscate $23,000 in cash - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

Cybergal · **^ Top** #1 08.27.2007

Driver sues feds after they search cab, confiscate $23,000 in cash
8/27/07

Quote:

A Texas trucker whose $23,000 in cash was confiscated from his truck by federal drug agents has sued the federal government to get his money back.
Anastasio Prieto – a U.S. citizen who resides in El Paso, TX, and is contracted with Schneider National Carriers – said he distrusts banks and chooses to carry large amounts of cash.
According to court documents, Prieto passed through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint on U.S. 54 on Aug. 8 before pulling into a weigh station in New Mexico at 10:30 a.m. A New Mexico Department of Public Safety officer told Prieto his trailer had a worn tire, and an officer asked if he could search the truck.
After Prieto allowed the search, the officer asked him whether he had possession of needles or cash in excess of $10,000.

landline continues

Ronnocomot · **^ Top** #2 08.27.2007

He should have declared he had it in his possession.

mikroos5 · **^ Top** #3 08.27.2007

Quote:

After Prieto allowed the search, the officer asked him whether he had possession of needles or cash in excess of $10,000.

I find this hard to believe that thats what the DOT asked him,I have never been asked that question.

Plus I would never allow the search. And for all you "what do you have to hide"people...........NOTHING.........

Ask me what your looking for and I will let you know if I have it.

Ronnocomot · **^ Top** #4 08.27.2007

I read the article as he was crossing the border, without declaring he had the cash.

That's a no-no

mikroos5 · **^ Top** #5 08.27.2007

He wasn't crossing the border,He was at a scale in New Mexico.

And he did say he had the money.

Ronnocomot · **^ Top** #6 08.27.2007

Then he should get his moolah back. I know he said he does not trust banks, but there has to be a better place to keep your dough. Especially after it has been broadcast to the world that he has big bucks on board.

roadkill439342 · **^ Top** #7 08.27.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnocomot

Then he should get his moolah back. I know he said he does not trust banks, but there has to be a better place to keep your dough. Especially after it has been broadcast to the world that he has big bucks on board.

Quote:

Prieto told the officer he had no needles but he did have $23,700 in cash, which was taken by officers who then contacted a supervisor.
According to the lawsuit, the supervisor showed up at the weigh station about one hour later but rejected Prieto’s willingness to show her income documents he said proved the cash belonged to him.
Seizing money was routine, one of the two officers told Prieto, and Gary Apodaca, a Drug Enforcement Administration task force officer, told him he’d probably get his cash back “in a year from now.”

That is totally unacceptable. NO WHERE is it illegal to carry more than $10K, let alone $23.7k

I have a rule I follow: If they wish to search my truck, they have to do so totally nude. NOT that I want to see a nude fat balding sweatty man in my truck (besides me), but if they want to search, they aren't gonna take anything in there with them.

Ronnocomot · **^ Top** #8 08.27.2007

You can't cross the border without a declaration for more than 10k. You could have 2 million in your truck as long as you don't cross into the U.S. with it.

bullhaulerswife · **^ Top** #9 08.27.2007

If he's an O/O, I can understand him carrying that much cash. I know that the guy that hubby bought his truck from carries about $20,000 with him at all times. He hates credit cards. Says that its his just in case fund!

Thats just wrong, them keeping his money. I would be mad too!

earthbrown · **^ Top** #10 08.27.2007

I hope he gets $1,000,000 in damages!!!!

K

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