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Police find $74,000 in hidden compartment

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Aug 11, 2006 - 11:08:36 am CDT

Lincoln police were holding two men and three women Friday on immigration issues after finding $74,180 in a car headed to California.

Sgt. Don Scheinost said Wiestar Towing called police just after 2 p.m. Thursday after being asked to tow a silver, 1992 Lincoln Town Car from Highway 2 and 156th Street to a hotel instead of a car repair shop. The tow company thought it sounded suspicious, he said.

When the tow truck arrived at the hotel parking lot with the car and three women inside and the two men waiting, an officer was there to meet them to ask if he could look through the car.

Story Photo

Scheinost said he got permission and smelled fresh paint when he opened the trunk and saw handprints in fresh paint and new bolts on the car’s undercarriage. A police dog came and indicated the smell of drugs in the car.

Schienost said they towed the car with North Carolina plates to the police garage, where they discovered a false compartment under the trunk with several bundles of cash inside. He said it had $74,180 in all.

Police went back to the hotel and picked all five up on immigration issues. They were being held Friday at the Lancaster County Jail.

Scheinost said they were not arrested and no charges have been filed because it’s not illegal to transport a large amount of cash, but the dog’s indication to drugs in the car indicates the money may have been involved in something criminal.

He said police would wait to see if anyone wants to claim the money. It may end up being divided among agencies like the Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Drug Enforcement Administration.


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T4acres wrote on August 11, 2006 11:17 am:
" I never understand these episodes. If it's not illegal to transport cash, and the police have no evidence of a crime, why can they seize the cash rather than return it to the parties? "

 Nice job! wrote on August 11, 2006 11:29 am:
" Great job on the part of both the tow truck driver and the police. I hope the towing company appreciates what a concientious driver they must have to report something suspicious like that. This time it was money, but next time it could be a terrorist bomb...you always have to be vigilant. Good job! "

 Narc wrote on August 11, 2006 12:08 pm:
" Weistar towing? Remember to NEVER call them when you need a tow!!! "

 Shadetree Greasemonkey wrote on August 11, 2006 12:27 pm:
" I've had my car towed to a hotel instead of a mechanic while on a long trip. What's so suspicious about that? What's next, the neighbors call the police when I decide to change my own oil? "Uh, yes officer. He's armed with a wrench and he knows how to use it." Suspicious, indeed! "

 yeah, but wrote on August 11, 2006 12:44 pm:
" However, what would the harm have been, in this day and age, if the police had shown up when you had your car towed to the hotel. If you had nothing illegal, then he would have searched and went on his way. Also, no matter how you look at it, a car from NC being towed to a hotel instead of a repair shop from the highway would raise suspicion for me. What they don't talk about is what was said when the officer showed up. I would suspect that the officer did not intend to search until after speaking with the people in the car, and that either 1. their stories did not match up or 2. their reason for having it towed there made no sense. The shadetree greasemonkey, for example, would have had an excuse that made sense if he had said "I'm on a trip and I do my own repairs. If you could direct me to the nearest auto parts store I would greatly appreciate it." "

 DL wrote on August 11, 2006 12:48 pm:
" This is an outrage! No charges filed yet the cops get to keep the money?! No charges filed! My grandpa kept his life savings underneath his mattress. Say he decides to retire in Florida. He's an industrious guy and paranoid, too. He builds a secret safe in the back of his 1977 El Dorado. Drives around the farm one last time and happens to drive through a thick patch of wild cannabis (He'll have to tell the hire-hand to get that taken care of). He drives on down to Florida to his new home on the beach, life savings safely stashed in the safe in the trunk. El Dorado breaks down, has it towed to the nearest motel where he can fix that touchy carburetor. Bam! Next think you know the cops take his money because something illegal "may have" been involved due to the scent of a banned native Nebraska plant species. "

 GMP wrote on August 11, 2006 12:51 pm:
" I've had my car towed home instead of to a shop, will it be searched? I hope so, maybe they will clean it out!!! "

 jon wrote on August 11, 2006 1:04 pm:
" Sounds like this was a purly illegal search.LPD specializes in illegal activities such as these because they can.Terrorist bomb?Give me a break.Id rather be killed in a terror attack than to allow our country to become a police state that is evolving towards.Anyone who buys that garbage is bowing to the terrorists. "

 Don from Tampa wrote on August 11, 2006 1:06 pm:
" So, it is not illegal to transport large sums of cash. It is not illegal to have a freshly painted car. It is not illegal to tow a car wherever you want to as long as you pay for the tow. Fresh paint may have been the trigger of a false signal on the part of the drug sniffing dog and maybe there were no drugs involved at all. So...why do the police believe it is right to keep their money? It was a fact 10-15 years ago that every 100 dollar bill had residu of cocaine on it just through normal circulation. So, are they going to take the cash based on such flimsy evidence...and evidence of WHAT for crying out loud? "

 Ron Porkmor wrote on August 11, 2006 1:08 pm:
" 'immigration issues'? that sounds to me like they are just trying to hold them until they can get a confession for something or find drugs in the car. "

 ET wrote on August 11, 2006 1:33 pm:
" Nice job - you need to get a grip. It's plainly not illegal to carry lots of cash. It's incredibly disturbing that the police seized this money without evidence, and even more disturbing that you think it's okay to take anyone down just because they seem a little suspicious, and yet even MORE disturbing that 'terrorism' has to be brought into EVERYTHING. My, what a paranoid society. I'll never call this tow company simply because they are paranoid. "

 Found money wrote on August 11, 2006 1:59 pm:
" Generally, the people transporting the money claim no knowledge of it even being in the car and say they don't know who it belongs to. It is then taken as found property and held for a rightful owner (who never shows up because it is drug money). The money is not "seized" if there are no arrests and it is not linked at the time to a crime. "

 Navy Man wrote on August 11, 2006 2:38 pm:
" Hey Shadetree Greasemonkey - what do you think the driver should have done - nothing? That is the wrong answer in this day and age. The driver should be recognized for doing the right thing. If more people took responsibility for things that are wrong, the world would be a better place. Instead, people just let things slide and expect other to correct them...well guess what, the driver is one of those people!! "

 Jan wrote on August 11, 2006 2:46 pm:
" I agree with T4acres. Why don't the police have to return the money. No laws were broken. It should be returned to the parties in car weather they are deported or not. "

 c.h. wrote on August 11, 2006 2:48 pm:
" This is an AWFUL abuse of power! I've read several places that over 80% of our currency contains traces of drug residue. If I was carrying that much cash, in these people's case, likely their life savings, I'd hide it too. The police say themselves, that no crime was committed. Give these people back their money, you vultures! I hope to heaven that someone steps forward to help these people!!! "

 rich wrote on August 11, 2006 2:50 pm:
" i need help on this one - 1-lots of cash in trunk 2 - fresh paint and new bolts on undercarriage -3- dogs smelled drugs - 4 - car headed for L.A. -5 - has north carolina plates - 6 - they are illigal - i didn't know you had to go through lincoln to get to L.A. - guess i don't know where L.A. is - so ask yourself - did they sell drugs in lincoln - lets hope not - "

 Richard wrote on August 11, 2006 3:03 pm:
" No crime T4acres? How about being here illegally? "

 jason wrote on August 11, 2006 3:06 pm:
" Ok people wise up! Obviously the towtruck driver notice many more things than the final destination of where to tow. How they acted, what they said, etc. As for transporting money, yeah, it is not a crime. But to go to the extent of creating a hidden compartment for the money ---- basically this is so law enforcement would not find it. They would not do this just to ensure they were not robbed. If the cash turns up clean, and they provide a reasonable story, the money will go back to them. If they decieve, hide, and change the facts, then it should be taken away. "

 tom Martin wrote on August 11, 2006 4:28 pm:
" Sounds they they are under suspicion of being Mexican. This story smells fishy from start to finish. "

 AAA wrote on August 11, 2006 4:39 pm:
" Excellent reason to belong to triple A. They'll tow you anywhere within 10 miles for free, and THEY MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS! Doesn't look like this towing company will be getting a lot of business from the folks here! "

 JL wrote on August 11, 2006 4:53 pm:
" Obviously, the point I was trying to make was missed by a few. The point is not that they were probably selling drugs or even that they said or did something suspicious. That is for a jury to decide, not a party that stands to be $75k richer based on the outcome of his own discretion. My point, clearly stated, is that the police should not have the power to confiscate and eventually retain valuables discovered during an investigation, especially when no trial by jury has been prosecuted. So what if the occupants did not initially claim the money as their own. It seems as if they would be the logical recipients if no charges are filed and it remains unclaimed as they were in possession of the vehicle in which the money was found. If I buy a house with a buried treasure in the back yard, it's mine if no one claims it. There's no way the cops should ever be able to try "to find the owner" (like O.J. looking for Nicole's killer) and keep it if no one claims it. That is just too much power in the hands of individual law enforcement officers. "

 Shadetree Greasemonkey wrote on August 11, 2006 5:32 pm:
" Navy Man, this story only made it into the newspaper because they caught the guys. I guess I'm saying it would be nice if people didn't always jump to the worst conclusions, especially when it comes to the way people look. I have long hair, so that makes me suspicious in some peoples eyes. Mexicans are automatically suspicious in other peoples eyes. And 9/11 really made things worse for anybody not "normal" looking. All I'm saying is that a guy ought to be able to work on his rig without having the cops called. There's a fine line between non-"normal" and "suspicious" activity. "

 Get a clue wrote on August 11, 2006 7:13 pm:
" Yeah, I always travel around with a couple of thousand (usually about $100,000) in tightly wadded up hunks, just in case...but I make sure that I put it in a secret compartment in my piece of junk vehicle...no crime intended...just passing though town...Oh, yeah I have no ID or anything...How do you know this isn't funds being used by terrorist activity...most common folk know how to wire funds...if you all are so disturbed I'm sure that you are familiar with the mediums that most money laundering agents use.....!!! "

 CS wrote on August 11, 2006 8:10 pm:
" Get a clue: Everything that you have detailed is completely legal-in fact, if you tried to wire more than 10,000 anywhere the Secret Service and/or FBI would investigate you and your bank would report you to them with a smile. Your paranoia and speculation that people are doing something illegal just because they dont wire money is ignorant at best and libelous at worst. Just because I don't want to pay fees im a money laundering terrorist support? My scholarship refund and grant check from school will be over 6000 this first half-am I a terrorist if I cash is and carry it instead of 'trusting' banks and the government to hold it for me? "

 Andy wrote on August 11, 2006 8:12 pm:
" It is called " civil forfeiture" and it is legal. The police and any other law enforcement agency can take property even without charging the owner with a crime. The police can, in effect, arrest property. Been going on for decades thanks to all you idiots who want the government to get tough on drug dealers. Anything suspicious is at risk for seizure. They used to print a list of seized items in the USA Today paper. Jason, according to your idea of liberty, just about everyone could be searched, seized, and held without charges. There was no probable cause to even suspect these people. This was racial profiling at its worst. How do we know they gave their "permission" to search the car? We only have the police for that. What kind of a country do we have where a tow truck driver can sic the cops on someone? How can this be a drug case? No drugs found. So a dog, A DOG, supposedly smelled something? You don't think the police can "help" the pooch smell something anytime they want? They can and do. since no drugs were found obviously the dog was wrong. So a dog can give the cops the right to violate your own supposedly God given rights? LOL Oh yeah jason, nobody ever hides valuables from theives? Sure. Get a life pal and move away. They are not even arrested! Welcome to the new world order people. "

 JR wrote on August 11, 2006 9:55 pm:
" Wow, I am a little shocked by these responses. As for the money being "taken" from these poor folks with no trial or jury by a bunch of cops abusing their powers you obviously do not have the slightest inkling as to what you are talking about. There is a process in both State and Federal Court for someone to pursue to legally claim this money, or any other property seized, that is alleged to be either laundered money or drug proceeds. What most of you seem to be missing here is that a trained drug K9 detected the odor of narcotics (establishing probable cause to search), a secret compartment was located in the vehicle and a large amount of cash was found, of which no one associated with the car claimed ownership. If anyone associated with this incident chooses to do so, they can show in court that this money is theirs and then reclaim it. But what most of you seem to forget is that if it walks like a duck (drug K9 hit), and it talks like a duck (money secreted in hidden/secret compartments) then it must be a duck (DRUG PROCEEDS). I dont remember the last time I drove around with $75K in cash hidden in my car but...oh yeah, none of my cars have been modified to transport cash and/or drugs in secret hidden compartments. It's unfortunate, but you ACLU guided liberal freakazoids have really lost it. "

 whitney wrote on August 11, 2006 10:03 pm:
" I can't believe how wrong this is, and on how many levels!! Andy's right. A lot of injustice occurs in the name of the 'war on drugs' Drug education at a grassroots level has had WAY more effect than the DEA. The DEA is losing, Oh, they're rich, alright, due to tactics such as Andy mentions, but there's as many drugs out there as there ever has been. They ADMIT it! "

 ahh haa wrote on August 12, 2006 12:40 am:
" Hello folks! Tow truck driver says he noticed a suspicious looking compartment under your car? Know anything about it? Oh no sir! How did that get there? You don't know anything about this? Oh not at all sir! Mind if I take a look? Ahhh sure, I mean we are not trying to hide anything! I'll have this towed down to our garage where we can be sure it is safe to open first. (After contents have been opened and back at hotel) Hello folks! It seems we did find something in that compartment? Do you have any idea what it was? No sir! No idea? So no one here wants to claim what we found in the car? No Sir! We don't know what you found. It is not ours. We found cash! Our drug dog sniffed it out. It has been determined to have a possible connection to drugs? Any ideas? Oh no Sir! That is not our money!!! DO YOU SEE WHAT POSSIBLY TOOK PLACE DURING THIS ORDEAL. I say great job to our law enforcement officers and to a good citizen who was watching out for us. "

 Andy wrote on August 12, 2006 2:08 am:
" OK JR, so we have to prove our innocence? The state must prove a crime was committed not the other way around. And the process you refer to is bogus, too. How can you prove where this money came from? What if there are no records? what if you don't keep such records? do you keep all your banking/financial records forever? No. and neither should you have to. The fact that a drug dog sniffs residue on some money does not convict anyone of a crime. It is patently unconstitutional for the government to be able to take property if you the citizen cannot prove how you aquired it. Keep your receipt for those groceries? Sorry, then we can take them. Why would those alleged drug dealers claim the money? They would then be arrested for drug dealing!! And the evidence would be a dog sniffed it and smelled something. You mean a drug dog has never made a mistake in the whole history of law enforcement? And inorder to get your property back once it has been forfeited you must post a bond for it, usually about 10 percent of the value of the property. And of course prove the innocence of what was formerly yours. Just please charge them with something. Or else let them go. No amount of security is worth losing basic human rights. BTW, not in the ACLU. Just an American. "

 Bill wrote on August 12, 2006 5:07 am:
" A few things.........Does this story truly reflect the whole story? Was the content edited even in the least to fit into the paper? Did the driver consent to a search? Never consent to a search. If the police want to search, let them work for it. "

 DEE wrote on August 12, 2006 8:47 am:
" These people got it for DWC (Driving while colored). I doubt this is the whole story. I would venture to say any time 70,000 dollars in cash was gathered together in one place there would be traces of drugs on it. "

 cilly wrote on August 12, 2006 9:36 am:
" its amazing how people automatically asume the facts here, if you read the story, the facts are they were hispanic/latinos driving thru nebraska and were thought to be suspisous because they didnt want to get their car towed to a shop (which would be closed). if somebody could please tell me how they came to the conculsion that they were illegal immigrants? the story said they were picked up on immigration issues. ive been dealt with immigration and they use their powers to the fullest extent. as jon stated everyday we step closer to police state which will eventually lead to every american which has a opinion will become a criminal. patriot act has already removed most of our rights we use to enjoy. good thing those terrorists have an impact on our daily lives... o wait they dont but the laws enacted sure do. "

 T wrote on August 12, 2006 10:28 am:
" We should've just taxed them for the cash and let them go, perhaps we'd be closer to even. Instead, five lodged at around 250 dollars a day times however many days it'll take our smooth investigation to pan out. One would be surprised how much is spent. But it is concerning that two men were waiting at the hotel. Community safety does factor in. "

 enough is enough wrote on August 12, 2006 10:58 am:
" Seriously people, get your facts straight! It does not mention anywhere in the article the national origin of the 5 individuals. I'm a sick of the constant complaining about how the police don't do enough in this town and then when they are in the process of an investigation which you/I have no knowledge about then they are violating everyone's rights. What if in this circumstances there are actual threats that are discovered to community safety/National Security. What are you going to complain about then. Before you go making assumptions about how the police handled the case, perhaps you should read up on statues to find out for yourself if they had probable cause. People forget that not all the facts can be published if there is still an ongoing investigation. "

 Carrie wrote on August 12, 2006 11:43 am:
" To "nice job" When is the last time you heard of Hispanic terrorist? Could be this has been a life savings of 5 people who cannot put thier money in our banking system because they are here illegally doing the crappy jobs you are to good to do! Gee, I am white and legal, can I claim the money. That seems to be the only reason it was taken was that they were not! Headed to California- maybe to take the money to help families that live there. Didn't say where in California but the last time I looked at a map parts of it are pretty close to Mexico! Go figure- perhaps trying to get home with you hard earned cash. Where does it say L.A. and where do some of you get the tow truck driver found the compartment. Did you even read the article? If I knew transporting cash was not illegal then I probably also would consent to having my car searched. Now that I know the money will be taken I will stick to my ATM card! Besides, we all know how the LPD tend to make it up as they go. Did they really get consent? "

 law wrote on August 12, 2006 12:21 pm:
" We all know that tipsters, even anonymous, about alleged terrorism are immune from law suit. So authorities no longer need your permission to search your property, but you would give it anyway because you have "nothing to hide." What about that shotgun in your closet or the pistol in your trunk? Seems that weapons could likely be used in the commission of crimes or are the fruits of crimes ("may have been involved in something criminal" as stated in the news article about the cash). So you can't immediately prove ownership of the guns with documents or otherwise? Remember, "legal possession" will not prevent the authorities from using "civil confiscation". Good luck proving you inherited that collectible Winchester shotgun from your grandfather. We should be careful what we call "suspicious" and how much immunity we give authorities to act on that "suspicion". There may come a day when a bottle of wine or water, lipstick or toothpaste in travel luggage will be called "suspicious". Perhaps the terrorists have already won -- you just don't know it yet. "

 ACE wrote on August 12, 2006 1:50 pm:
" Ok all you wantabe lawyers, get online check search and siezure laws and then check the subheading under the automobile expection and then go read more about k-9's being used to establish probable cause and you can then reconsider your condemnation of the officers that daily do things that you wouldn't to give you the right to complain when you don't know enought about the issue to do so... "

 say what??? wrote on August 12, 2006 2:58 pm:
" Cilly, where do you get the idea that the repair shop would be closed? It specifically states in the article that the call came into the police just after 2pm. To those who have commented that this entire case is racially motivated, how did you draw that conclusion?? I didn't see any reference to race in the article at all. There was mention of a possible immigration issue -- that comment alone doesn't mention ANYTHING about race, color of skin or ethnicity. If no one associated with the vehicle claims the cash as theirs and does not know who it belongs to, it needs to be seized in an attempt to locate the rightful owner (on the chance it's stolen). For crying out loud, folks, if you were the victim of a larceny and your goods were found in a vehicle owned by someone other than yourself, do you feel it's fair for that party to keep the property?? Of course not! There is a possibility the case is still under investigation and not every tidbit of information was gained by the media. Be patient and wait for the rest of the story before blasting either side involved. "

 Good Grief wrote on August 12, 2006 3:40 pm:
" To those of you who supported the police in your comments, Good for you!! For you "anti" cops, you kinda make me sick. (ie Andy, DL, Jon) To you three, if you ever get robbed, burglarized, or a loved one gets murdered, maybe you should solve the crime yourself, don't call 911. The police might "plant" some evidence just to say they cleared the case. You haven't a clue what law enforcement does on a daily basis. Yes, corruption happens, but the assumptions made here are horrible. This factor of "race" playing any part in this case, is completely untrue. The officer would have done the exact same thing if they were 5 white, black, asian, Native American people etc.....Get a clue people. The war on drugs is tough (whitney)we have to fight it, even if they are "ahead" as you say. Seizing drug dealers money is brilliant. Use it against them. Or do you want to pay more in your taxes to help law enforcement? I truly doubt it. Great work by LPD and the tow truck company. "

 Any wrote on August 12, 2006 5:31 pm:
" No, Good Grief, I wouldn't call 911. In the mentioned situations I would pull out my trusty 9mm and show the perps the true meaning of gun control. I had my car towed to my house just this year in the daytime and noone called the cops on me. The race factor isn't important, you're right about that. Whats important are people being held without being charged or even arrested; being held on some immigration issue? What immigration issue? Whatever I'm done on this issue. "

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