on three felony charges, including drug and money laundering offenses, the Texas Department of Insurance said Tuesday.
The investigation began on Aug. 26 when the Luling Fire Department requested assistance from state fire marshals to determine the origin and cause of a fire at a local business. At the scene, investigators discovered evidence of tampering along with firearms, suspected liquid methamphetamine, and approximately $820,000 worth of cash, gold, and silver.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, faces charges of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and money laundering, both first-degree felonies. Additionally, the individual is charged with tampering or fabricating evidence, a third-degree felony.“Our investigators are trained to look for evidence of all crimes at a scene, not just arson,” said State Fire Marshal Debra Knight.
The ongoing investigation is a joint effort between the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Caldwell County District Attorney's Office. The Luling Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division provided assistance at the scene. The State Fire Marshal's Office encourages the public to report suspected arson cases to their hotline at 800-578-4677.