John Nicky Tedesco to serve five years after pleading guilty to two counts of trafficking and one count of money laundering

Using his phone while driving has cost this man five years in jail – because it led police to his hidden million-dollar drug and cash hoard.

John Nicky Tedesco leaving the Adelaide Magistrates Court in February after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering. Picture: NCA NewsWire

A man whose hidden million-dollar stash of illicit drugs and laundered money was discovered because he used his mobile phone while driving will spend the next five years behind bars.

On Wednesday, the District Court said John Nicky Tedesco’s offending was too serious for anything less than immediate jail, ruling out a suspended or home detention sentence.

Judge Rauf Soulio said he could show Tedesco limited mercy due to his past drug offending and decision not to give evidence about the money’s origin.

“Your psychologist described you as an easily-influenced man who was prone to suggestion,” he said.

“You told your psychologist the money was being held for someone else and, perhaps understandably, you were not prepared to identify that person.

“I indicate I would not be prepared to accept that claim, but no evidence was elicited from you under oath.”

Police say they found about $600,000 in cash at the home of John Nicky Tedesco. Picture: SA Police

Tedesco, 57, of Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in a controlled drug and one count of money laundering.

He was caught when, in July 2020, police pulled him over for using his phone while driving and discovered $28,400 in cash and an axe handle in the car.

As officers searched him, Tedesco unsuccessfully tried to drop two sealed bags containing 3g of methamphetamine in the gutter.

Officers later found 100g of heroin, 50mL of fantasy, 10g of methamphetamine and $7000 worth of cannabis in compartments in the skirting boards of his home.

Those compartments also contained 10 bundles of cash adding up to an eye-watering $447,080.

As officers searched him, Tedesco unsuccessfully tried to drop two sealed bags containing 3g of methamphetamine in the gutter. Picture: SA Police

But the biggest prize was hidden in the bumper of Tedesco’s prized vintage Corvette Stingray – 98.1g of cocaine worth approximately $34,400.

In February, Tedesco asked the court to show mercy, saying a midlife crisis, an extramarital affair and losing money to a $1.3m Ponzi scheme prompted his offending.

In sentencing on Wednesday, Judge Soulio said Tedesco had a past conviction for possessing cannabis for sale in 2008.

“You are not to be punished for your previous history, but nor are you entitled to the leniency you could otherwise receive,” he said.

“You will serve a reasonably lengthy non-parole period … I hope that you are able to serve it productively and maintain contact with your extended family.

“I hope this is really the last time you will be seen in these courts.”