A late-night traffic stop for a missing license plate resulted in the arrest of an Oklahoma-bound driver and the seizure of over $7,000 in cash.
According to a report by Atoka Police Officer Zachary Rice, he was stationary on Lake Road facing south early Wednesday morning, April 30th, 2025, when he observed a silver Ford F-350 traveling south on U.S. 69 without a license plate, closely followed by a white Chevrolet Silverado.
Officer Rice initiated a traffic stop near U.S. 69 and C Street, and both vehicles pulled into the Hop n' Shop gas station parking lot.
Upon contacting the driver of the Ford, identified as Francisco Javier Arias Plata, Officer Rice determined that English was not Plata's primary language. Plata provided a Mexico passport and stated he did not have a driver's license.
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado stated that he and Plata had just purchased the Ford F-350 a few hours prior and were taking it home, with the title and bill of sale located inside the Ford. He admitted to knowing that Plata did not have a driver's license. Officer Rice obtained the bill of sale and title from Plata.
A records check revealed that the Chevrolet driver had a valid Texas license, but Plata had no driver's license issued in any state. The Ford F-350's vehicle identification number showed a clear record and valid insurance.
Using a translator application, Officer Rice communicated with Plata, who acknowledged that driving without a license was illegal. Plata was arrested for operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license. The driver of the Chevrolet was cited for permitting an unauthorized individual to operate a motor vehicle and was released.
The Ford F-350 was impounded, and during an inventory of the vehicle, a black bag containing a substantial amount of cash was found and secured by Officer Rice. At the Atoka County Jail, the cash was counted, totaling $7,070. An additional $119 was found on Plata's person, bringing the total to $7,189. The money was counted multiple times for accuracy. Plata was booked into jail and later posted bond.
