An Akwesasne resident is facing federal charges after allegedly hiding over a quarter million dollars in U.S. currency in his car.

Jade Martin, 25, of Cornwall Island, Ontario, Canada, made his initial appearance Thursday, Aug. 6 in federal court in Plattsburgh on charges that he knowingly concealed $256,910 in United States currency in his car, with the intent to evade currency reporting requirements, and attempted to transport that currency from the United States into Canada.

That's according to a news release from United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Robert Dwyer, Massena Port Director, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

A complaint alleges that on August 4, Martin concealed $256,910 in two boxes, and drove with these boxes to the Massena, Port of Entry, where he attempted to transport them into Canada, according to federal prosecutors.

The complaint further alleges that CBP officers discovered the cash during an outbound inspection, after Martin denied traveling with more than $10,000 in currency, federal authorities said.

Federal law requires a person to report the transportation of currency over $10,000 upon exiting the United States.

The felony charges against Martin carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a term of supervised release of up to three years. If convicted, Martin may also be ordered to forfeit to the United States any property involved in the offense, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Syracuse said.

This case is being investigated by HSI and CBP, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shira C. Hoffman.