Turnpike Traffic Stop Nets $197,000, Felony Charges

A traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Pine Township resulted in felony charges against two Maryland men after $197,000 in cash and "unlawful device-making equipment" were found in their vehicle's trunk, according to court documents.

Lamine Camara, 27, of Greenbelt and George Leussi, 34, of New Carrollton are charged with possessing and producing unlawful device-making equipment and criminal conspiracy, the criminal complaint states.

The men appeared before Magisterial District Judge Regis Welsh Jr. last week for a preliminary hearing that was continued until Sept. 23.

Assistant District Attorney Lisa Carey asked for the continuance, stating more time is needed to receive lab results. She also said she had received new information that the investigation is ongoing.

Secret Service agent Mark Kernan told the judge he was not willing to prosecute unless a victim is found.

Pennsylvania State Police pulled over the 2008 Toyota Camry on July 26 for speeding, according to the criminal complaint.

Camara was driving and passenger Leussi was the "custodian of the vehicle," police said. Each "showed indicators that he was being deceptive," the police report stated.

Police obtained consent from Leussi to search the vehicle, the criminal complaint states.

"During the search a large sum of U.S. currency, believed to be $197,000, and several items used in fraud scams to defraud victims was found in the trunk area," according to the complaint.

"The actor possessed one or more instruments of crime, namely, cut paper the size of U.S. currency, foil to wrap paper to look like $50,000 bundles of cash, iodine, gas containers with cleaning solvents to wash money in fraud attempt, garbage bags used to conceal fake money, $197,000 in U.S. currency used in conjunction with the cut paper, duct tape money wrappers with intent to employ it or them criminally, in violation of (state law)," the criminal complaint states.

Investigators from the Secret Service and the state police's Bureau of Criminal Investigation were called in.

Camara told police that Leussi "assisted him with getting a car to pick up the money and go from Indiana to Maryland," police said.

The speeding charge against Camara was withdrawn, according to court documents.