A Georgia man is under investigation after sheriff's police in Livingston County seized over $22,000 from a vehicle during a traffic stop.  Authorities report an asset forfeiture proceeding is the next step in the investigation.  The un-identified man was the only person in the vehicle.  Police report the man was on federal probation with supervised release -- on a money laundering case.  

A Livingston County sheriff’s deputy seized the cash during a traffic stop last Thursday night in Pontiac.  The stop occurred about 7 pm near West Reynolds and North Deerfield roads and involved a rental vehicle.  During the stop, a sheriff’s office canine conducted a free-air sniff and alerted to the vehicle, prompting a search, officials said. Deputies reported finding $22,151 inside a black (North Face) backpack.

Investigators said the currency is believed to be connected to illegal activity. The vehicle’s sole occupant, a man from Buford, Georgia, was identified as being on federal probation. The man was released at the scene. The cash was seized pending the asset forfeiture proceedings.  Assisting agencies included the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Pontiac Police Department and VCOM.

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