Valley constable candidate arrested with $1 million in his car

By Lynn Brezosky
Updated 10:44 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2012

BROWNSVILLE — A Rio Grande Valley constable candidate remained jailed Wednesday on money laundering charges after state police stopped him for speeding and found $1 million in his vehicle.

Robert “Bobby” Maldonado, 46, was stopped Monday afternoon on U.S. Highway 59 in Victoria County.

He initially refused a search, but a police dog smelled contraband in his car, a 2011 Chrysler 200.

The cash was said to be wrapped in more than 100 bundles in suitcases, which police say is consistent with drug trafficking.

A judge set bond Tuesday at $250,000, but as of Wednesday he was still in custody. It was unclear whether he had an attorney.

According to Maldonado's campaign Web site, he is a Marine Corps “Desert Storm” veteran.

Texas Department of Public Safety records show he is also a former state trooper, though he was terminated for cause in 1995.

lynnbrezosky@express-news.net

Valley constable candidate arrested with $1 million in his car - San Antonio Express-News