News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Watson
(417) 359-1500 ext.2229
DS2009-1
January 15, 2009

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop In Jasper County Results In Drug Seizure And Five Arrests


On January 14, 2008, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped the driver of an eastbound Chevrolet rental truck on Interstate 44 in Jasper County for a traffic violation. The stop and subsequent investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 206 pounds of marijuana and the arrest of five individuals.

At approximately 6:52 p.m., the driver of a 2008 GMC Penske rental truck, bearing Indiana registration, was stopped near the 26-mile marker for following another vehicle too closely. Inconsistencies identified during the traffic stop prompted the trooper to ask for consent to search the vehicle, which was granted. The search revealed approximately 206 pounds of marijuana hidden in an auxiliary fuel tank located in the cargo area of the vehicle. Also, during the traffic stop, a second vehicle with four occupants was identified as traveling with and assisting the driver of the rental truck with the transportation of the marijuana. The vehicle, a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee bearing California registration, was stopped a short time later in Jasper County after the driver had turned around and was traveling back west.

The driver of the 2008 GMC rental truck, David Serrano, 28, Tucson, Arizona, as well as the driver of the 2008 Jeep, Venessa Maldonado, 20, Tucson, Arizona, and passengers, Yesenia Valenzuela, 20, Tucson, Arizona, Sandra L. Gallindo, 30, Tucson, Arizona, and Carissa M. Santa Cruz, 25, Tucson, Arizona, were arrested for second degree drug trafficking. All five were transported to the Jasper County Jail, Carthage, Missouri.

The charges for which David Serrano, Venessa Maldonado, Yesenia Valenzuela, Sandra L. Gallindo, and Carissa M. Santa Cruz were arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.