FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
On Tuesday, April 1, 2008, The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit served search warrants at three separate residences in Willis, Texas. The residences were all in close proximity of each other and were located in the Indian Forest subdivision off of FM1097 East Willis, Texas. The SIU had received TIPS that the suspects at these locations were involved in the trafficking of illegal narcotics.
The SIU established probable cause for search warrants which were approved by District Judge Cara Woods. Approximately $42,000.00 in US currency was recovered from one of the suspect residences. The money was found hidden in a small hole in the mattress located in the master bedroom. Also seized were numerous books that were designed to hide currency for shipment. The books had the inside removed for the contraband to be hidden for the shipment. Also seized from the suspect was a 2003 Escalade. Both suspects were interviewed by ICE AGENTS on location and it was determined they were in this country illegally and a hold was placed on both suspects. The children were released to neighbors and CPS will be notified in regards to children.
This investigation is ongoing with more arrests and seizures expected in the future.
Agencies Involved:
HIDTA/ICE
DPS CONROE NARCOTICS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S DETECTIVE DIVISION
MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S PATROL DIVISION
Charges:
Money Laundering >$40,000
Illegal Alien In Possession of a Weapon
Arrested:
Francisco Javier Soto H/M D.O.B. 01/17/74
Selene M. Ortiz H/F 7/6/71
