$100,000 Found In SUV After Police Chase

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office found a huge stash of cash hidden in an SUV after a police chase.

Deputies tried to stop Victor Aleman, Jr for a traffic violation April 9th on Garcon Point Road in Milton. But Aleman hit the gas and took off. The chase headed west on I-10 and ended when Aleman ran off the interstate and crashed into a fence.

That night, deputies found a baggie containing a small amount of cocaine and $750.00 in cash in Aleman's Jeep Grand Cherokee. They also found a black leather bag containing $1200 in cash and a large kitchen knife. Aleman's cell phone contained a photograph of four Hispanic males with their heads removed and placed on a table.

Aleman told deputies he ran because he was scared about the drugs in the Jeep. He was charged with reckless driving, possession of cocaine, resisting arrest and carrying a concealed weapon.

The Sheriff's Office did a little more digging and gathered enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for the Jeep. On Friday, deputies found $100,650 in cash hidden in secret compartments and underneath the upholstery of the seats. The cash was vacuum sealed in plastic bags. Aleman claims he doesn't know how the money got there.

Deputies say Aleman is an illegal immigrant. He has a Texas Driver's License, but deputies believe Aleman may be using a fake name and ID. He's being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.