Alleged Money Launderer Had $41K Hidden In Suitcase Lining: Prosecutor

FORT LEE, N.J. — A Florida man was arrested on charges related to money laundering after a traffic stop in Fort Lee Thursday, authorities said.

Members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office conducted a motor vehicle stop in Fort Lee; the vehicle's driver, Darren Joseph, 28, consented to a search of the vehicle and authorities found $41,500 hidden in the lining of a suitcase, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal said in a news release.

Joseph, of Lauderhill, Fla., was charged with transporting or possessing property believed to be derived from criminal activity in an amount greater than $25,000, but less than $75,000, a third-degree crime.

Joseph was released on his own recognizance pending a first appearance in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court, Gerwal said.

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Daren Joseph, 28 — Bergen County Prosecutor's Office/Background image via Shutterstock