ROXBURY TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – Two people were arrested last week after police said more than $18,000 in cash and a handgun were found in their car during a traffic stop in Roxbury Township.
On Dec. 21, at 2:28 a.m., an officer stopped a Honda Pilot on Interstate 80 westbound after observing multiple traffic violations, police said.
The officer made contact with the driver, who was identified as Eleazar Luis Almaraz and the passenger, who was identified as Karen E. Corte Juela. During the subsequent investigation, the individuals allegedly provided conflicting stories regarding their travel history, police said.
The officer then requested a consensual search of the vehicle, and during the search, officers found $18,138 in various denominations of United States currency and one unregistered .45cal handgun, police said.
They both allegedly provided conflicting stories about how they acquired the money and were subsequently arrested, police said.
Almaraz was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, and money laundering.
Juela was charged with money laundering.
Both were then lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.
