Driver Charged With DUI, Possession When Cocaine is Found on Mexican Currency: Police

An Oak Lawn man was charged with driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance after he was clocked driving 62mph in a 40mph zone, reports said.

An Oak Lawn police officer observed a black Ford pickup truck swerving over the line marker going northbound on Central Avenue around 11:50 p.m. Sept. 1.

The driver, identified as Jose E. Cortez, 39, was eventually pulled over at 105th Street and Central Avenue, police said. 

According to the officer, Cortez’s hands moved deliberately as he scanned the contents of his wallet looking for his driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Cortez passed over his driver’s license and told the officer he couldn’t find it. He was eventually able to produce an Illinois state ID card, police said. 

Cortez looked through papers in the center armrest console for his proof of insurance but said that couldn’t find it. The office noticed an open bottle of Carta Blanca beer in the center armrest cup holder, reports said. 

The officer said that Cortez's eyes appeared bloodshot, in addition to slurred speech an odor of alcohol on his breath. 

Cortez allegedly told the officer that he wasn’t going to lie about drinking and said he had two drinks. He also dropped the name of a Chicago Ridge official, reports said. 

Police said that Cortez failed to recite the alphabet properly and pleaded to be let go. When Cortez refused to take a preliminary breath test, police said he was placed under arrest for DUI. 

During a search of Cortez’s pockets, the officer found a Mexican currency note for 100 pesos. The officer opened the bill and saw a white powdery substance in the folds of the note, reports said. 

Cortez allegedly asked numerous times what the bond would be. Police said he refused all chemical tests, and would only initial the Miranda warning if he could bond out that day. 

The white powdery substance found in the folds of the Mexican currency field tested positive for the presence of cocaine, reports said.

In addition to DUI and possession of a controlled substance, Cortez with charged with speeding, improper lane use, illegal transportation of alcohol, operating a vehicle without insurance, and failure to notify the Illinois Secretary of State of a change in address. 

Cortez had a bond hearing at 26th and California on Sept. 2.