Sounds like her mother was trying to help her by lying to keep her from getting in trouble. It is beginning to sound like Laurean, his wife, Maria, and her parents know a lot more about a massive plan than has been released. And Laurean himself seems to be an expert at planting clues, probably with help, around the country.
When were the reports of seeing the truck in the Raleigh-Durham area? Maybe he came and went from the hotel, always parking in the same spot, or maybe he had someone of Mexican descent driving it around for him periodically.