A resident of Matamoros, Tamps., Mexico is out $258,156 after his recent visit to Texas.

Cruz Dorado Delgado, of Ignacio Ramirez #139, Colonia Sec.16 was stopped by Texas Dept. of Public Safety Trooper Valente Rosas on Monday, May 11 as he drove his 1999 Lincoln Town Car southbound near the Cameron/ Willacy county line.

Trooper Rosas reported that the black car was stopped as the result of a traffic violation and when the driver, Delgado, displayed signs of extreme nervousness, he was asked for permission to search his vehicle. He consented.

The preliminary search revealed a false compartment behind the dashboard. Contraband was found in the compartment and the car was driven by Trooper Rosas to Rodriguez Ford in Raymondville. There the dashboard was taken apart and 21 bundles of U.S. Currency wrapped in carbon paper sealed in vacuum bags was discovered.

Sgt. Paul Noyola was contacted by Trooper Rosas and the suspect, Delgado, age 55 was detained. The $258,156 in U.S. Currency was seized pending forfeiture procedures in Willacy County.

Willacy County District Attorney Bernard Ammerman filed a lawsuit (Cause No.2009- CV-0242-A) in 197th State District Court on May 26. The defendant, Cruz Dorado Delgado will be served by certified mail at his address in Matamoros.

Authorities believe that the money represents the proceeds of a felony and as such it is a subject of forfeiture.

If the court awards the money to the county it will be divided between the State of Texas, the D.A.'s office and the Willacy County Sheriff's Dept., if previous precedent is followed.