San Marcos Police Arrest Father, Son In Major Drug Case

The Hays County Narcotics Task Force was formed in 1998 and is a joint operation of the San Marcos Police Department and Hays County Sheriff’s Office.

The Hays County Narcotics Task Force and San Marcos Police have arrested two men transporting almost 50 pounds of high-grade marijuana and thousands of dollars in cash.

At approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 3 officers with the Hays County Narcotics Task Force and San Marcos Police Department arrested Mason Dean Maniscalco (DOB: 10/25/1995) of San Marcos and his father, Jack M. Maniscalco, Jr (DOB: 11/14/1961) of Missouri City, Texas, on felony drug and money laundering charges. 

Acting on a tip regarding suspicious activities at an apartment complex on Craddock Avenue in San Marcos, Task Force officers observed the two men transporting large cardboard boxes in a blue pickup truck. 

Uniformed San Marcos Police officers conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of Sessom Drive in San Marcos and found the men in possession of 49 pounds of high-grade marijuana, $26,000 in cash and a police radio. 

Subsequent investigation by the Narcotics Task Force revealed that the marijuana was most likely smuggled into Texas from out of state and intended for distribution in the San Marcos area.

“Marijuana that is produced in states where medical or recreational use is legal is often diverted to other states, such as Texas, where it is resold at substantial profits,” said Sergeant Wade Parham, commander of the Narcotics Task Force. “The San Marcos Police Department and Hays County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to fighting the illicit drug trade on a local level, as we firmly believe that it makes our communities safer.”

This is an ongoing investigation, and more arrests are anticipated. 

The two men were charged with Possession of Marijuana in the amount of 50 pounds or less but more than five pounds, a third-degree felony punishable by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for 2-10 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

They were also charged with Money Laundering, as officers allege that they were possessing and transporting a large amount of currency believed to be proceeds of illegal activity. 

Money Laundering is a State Jail Felony punishable by confinement in a state jail between 180 days and two years, as well as a fine not to exceed $10,000. 

The father and son are being held at the Hays County Jail, with bond set at $18,000 for each.

The Hays County Narcotics Task Force was formed in 1998 and is a joint operation of the San Marcos Police Department and Hays County Sheriff’s Office.