Freehold Man Charged After Cocaine Found Under Seat, Cash In Work Boot: Police

HOWELL, NJ — A man who was driving erratically and tailgating another vehicle has been charged with drug possession and distribution after police found cocaine hidden under his seat and $3,000 in cash stashed in a work boot, Howell police said.

Leo Clax, 39, of Center Street, Freehold, was arrested about 10:30 a.m. June 19 after a traffic stop by Howell Patrolman Travis Horton, who pulled Clax over after seeing the 1997 Mercury minivad following a vehicle too closely and failing to maintain its lane, Howell Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez said.

Horton pulled the minivan over in front of Howell High School on Route 524a (Squankum-Yellowbrook Road) and in addition to the vehicle having tinted front windows, which are not permitted in New Jersey, Horton could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the minivan, Antunez said.

In addition, Clax, the driver, gave an account of his travels that made little sense, Antunez said.

Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, Horton found a package containing approximately 3 ounces of cocaine in a drawer under the front passenger seat, and found nearly $3,000 cash wrapped in a rubber band hidden inside of a loose work boot in the vehicle, Antunez said.

Clax was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS (cocaine) over 1 ounce, possession with intent to distribute CDS (cocaine) within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of CDS (cocaine) and possession of drug paraphernalia, Antunez said. Clax also was issued traffic citations for the above-mentioned traffic violations in addition to possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. He was taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institute pending court proceedings and hi vehicle was seized pending forfeiture proceedings, Antunez said.

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