Men Hauling Undocumented Migrants, Cash, Gun Caught: Bergen Co. Prosecutor

RIDGEFIELD, NJ — Two Texas men who were paid to transport two undocumented immigrants from Texas to New York were caught in Ridgefield last week with $15,200 and an illegal weapon, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.

Francis E. Hidalgo, 23, of Missouri City, Texas; and Antonio A. Moreno, 23, of Stafford, Texas, were arrested on charges of money laundering and unlawful weapons possessions charges, Musella said.

Hidalgo and Moreno were found with the cash and two 9mm handguns, one of which contained hollow bullets, during a traffic stop Thursday in Ridgefield; they were to deliver the money to an individual, who was not identified, in Texas, the prosecutor's office said.

Hidalgo was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, third-degree money laundering, and fourth-degree possession of prohibited weapons, specifically hollow nose bullets.

Moreno was charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.

Both were arrested without incident, and released with conditions following an initial court appearance.