A California couple who claimed drugs found in their vehicle during a traffic stop in Nebraska last month were for Christmas presents have been arrested again.
Lancaster County authorities say 80 year old Patrick Jiron and his 70 year old wife Barbara Jiron were passengers in a black Toyota that was pulled over on Interstate 80 near Mile Marker 390 on Tuesday morning by sheriff's deputies.
Sergeant Jason Mayo said the vehicle, driven by the Jiron’s daughter, was pulled over at about 9:40 a.m. After making contact with the couple, the deputy believed the two may be involved in criminal activity, and a K-9 unit was deployed.
The K-9 indicated the presence of marijuana, and a subsequent search unveiled $18,000 in cash. The cash tested positive for marijuana residue. A 50 gallon black Hefty bag was also found and tested positive for cannabis residue, Mayo says.
The Jiron's were booked into the Lancaster County Jail for suspicion of possession of drug money. The two were released on bond Tuesday afternoon, and are due in court in Lancaster County on Wednesday.
Their 42 year old daughter was released at the scene. Sergeant Mayo said the vehicle was traveling westbound from Vermont to the Jiron’s home state of California.
When the couple was arrested on Dec. 19 in York County, the duo was traveling from California to Vermont with 60 pounds of marijuana, which they said was meant to be Christmas presents.