An Oklahoma City man is scheduled to appear Wednesday on a felony disposition docket in Sequoyah County District Court following a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of nearly $98,000 in cash.
William B. Webb, 51, was formally charged on Dec. 31 with one felony count of acquiring proceeds from drug activity and received a $25,000 bond. If convicted, Webb could face up to 10 years in the state penitentiary and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed in the case, District 27 Drug Task Force Agent Tyler Ragan initiated a traffic stop at about 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 on I-40 near the Vian exit after observing a Dodge Ram make improper lane changes and fail to signal.
Ragan reported that when asked for documentation, Webb stated he had been attending a meeting in Little Rock, Ark., regarding a book he co-authored.
While speaking with Webb at the passenger-side window, Ragan said he detected an overwhelming odor of raw marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
The affidavit states that Webb was asked to step back to Ragan’s patrol unit, where his explanation of his travel reportedly changed. Webb then began discussing ongoing legal battles involving alleged local corruption, which the agent noted contradicted his earlier statements.
“Throughout our interaction, Webb attempted to validate his travel purpose repeatedly without prompting, raising my suspicions regarding potential criminal activity,” Ragan wrote in the affidavit.
When confronted about the odor of marijuana, Webb claimed to possess a medical marijuana card. He also admitted to having around $30,000 to $40,000 in cash, stating it was intended to hire an attorney. Due to the odor of marijuana, Ragan informed Webb that the vehicle would be searched.
During the search, Ragan reported discovering several bundles of vacuum-sealed baggies containing large amounts of U.S. currency hidden within factory- made storage compartments of the vehicle.
The bundles allegedly contained distinctive markings and symbols the agent said are commonly associated with drug trafficking operations.
In the affidavit, Ragan compared the packaging to currency he has encountered during previous traffic stops, noting that legitimate cash carriers typically use bank bags and provide documentation.
He stated the manner in which the money was concealed and sealed was consistent with individuals transporting funds obtained through illegal means.
When informed that he would be questioned further about the money, Webb reportedly became hesitant about being detained. Ragan requested Webb’s cellular phone for forensic analysis, but Webb refused and allegedly attempted to delete information from the device. During a struggle to prevent evidence destruction, Webb allegedly attempted to bite the agent’s arm. Authorities ultimately secured the phone, which Webb had powered off and locked.
Webb was arrested without further incident and the currency was placed into evidence. During transport to the jail, Webb allegedly continued to refuse requests to place his phone into airplane mode.
Authorities later counted the seized currency, which totaled $97,787. According to the affidavit, both the cash bundles and packaging emitted a strong odor of raw marijuana.
