UHP trooper arrests man who allegedly had $250K cash, loaded gun in vehicle

Robert Allen Mercer. Photo Courtesy: Salt Lake County

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Dec. 5, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A Utah Highway Patrol trooper arrested a man who allegedly had $250,000 in cash and a loaded gun in his vehicle.

A probable cause statement from the 3rd District Court of Salt Lake County said Robert Allen Mercer, 69, of Florida, is facing charges of money laundering, a second-degree felony and speeding, an infraction.

On Tuesday just after 12:20 p.m. a UHP trooper stopped Robert Mercer for speeding in Salt Lake County. He was traveling at 80 mph in a 75 mph zone.

“During the traffic stop I suspected Robert of being involved in criminal activity,” the statement said. “Consent to search his vehicle was asked and verbally given by Robert. A search found approximately $250,000 dollars in cash, a loaded gun, two empty suitcases and a large constructed wood box designed to conceal contraband.”

In addition there was “equipment found to package and process illegal drugs,” the probable cause statement said.

“The cash was bundled and packaged in a manner consistent with those using money to purchase narcotics and smelled of marijuana,” the statement said.

Mercer provided conflicting stories to the trooper on the traffic stop and an State Bureau of Investigation Agent during an interview for his reason of travel.

Mercer was transported to Salt Lake County Jail with his bail set at $10,000.

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