A 34-year-old man was charged with a felony for forgery after a traffic stop in Cooper County on July 2, 2022.

According to a probable cause statement, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven a man who identified himself as Kevin Montero Poveda. The vehicle had two passengers, including Carlos Morales, who was wanted on a warrant issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An agent with the FBI informed the trooper that Morales was involved in a ring of jewelry thieves operating in the Miami, Florida area.

A search of the vehicle revealed miscellaneous jewelry and less than $5,000 in cash.

Authorities discovered that Poveda’s identifications were fraudulent and that the subject was actually Francisco Javier Mora, who is a known associate of Morales.

Court documents say Mora is charged with a felony for forgery. Bond is set at $50,000 cash or surety.

Court arrangements are pending.