Sulphur Springs man arrested on money laundering charge

Alexander Garza, 40, of Sulphur Springs was arrested 9:45 p.m. Friday on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of 1 to 4 grams of a penalty group 1 controlled substance and money laundering between $2,500 and $30,000.

A SSPD Special Crimes officer reportedly observed Garza’s vehicle was illegally parked, and a traffic stop was performed once the vehicle left. The office allegedly saw an open container in the center console upon making contact, and Garza was asked to step out of the vehicle. During a pat-down search, the officer reportedly located a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine, and during a probable cause search of the vehicle, the officer allegedly found a pistol and 1.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine near the driver’s seat.

The officer also reportedly located $7,920 in a backpack in the back seat, and the officer allegedly found “several” drug paraphernalia, reportedly including a large amount of plastic bags used for narcotics packaging.

Garza allegedly admitted to not having a job, and the report alleges “the money was made/used from the sale of illegal narcotics.”

Garza was transported to Hopkins County Jail, and bond was set at $45,000. He was released Saturday.