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On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at approximately 12:24 PM, Investigator Tyler Pavlicek from the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Criminal Interdiction Unit, initiated a traffic stop on a KIA SUV traveling east on Interstate 10 near the 695-mile marker due to a traffic violation.
Investigator Pavlicek made contact with the driver, Christopher Rivas, 29, from Spring, TX. The passengers were identified as John Rivas, 30, from Katy, TX, and Gabriella Cervantes, 27, from Spring, TX.
After speaking with the driver and the passengers, Investigator Pavlicek requested consent to search the vehicle, which was denied. Subsequently, he called for assistance from Deputy O. Buitron of the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, who brought his K9, Knox. The K9 indicated a positive alert on the vehicle.
During the investigation, Investigator Pavlicek discovered multiple plastic bags containing US currency wrapped in rubber bands, as well as a tetra-hydrocannabinol (THC) pen. All three occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance and money laundering. The total amount of currency seized was $31,513.00.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Colorado County Sheriff’s Office wishes to express its appreciation for its collaborative partnership with the Austin County
Sheriff’s Office and K9 Knox. Both agencies are committed to enhancing public safety and working effectively for our communities.
