Pubdate: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA) Copyright: 2001 The Fresno Bee Contact: http://www.fresnobee.com/man/opinion/letters.html Website: http://www.fresnobee.com/ Forum: http://www.fresnobee.com/man/projects/webforums/opinion.html Author: Jerry Bier, The Fresno Bee WIFE OF CONVICTED FRESNO DRUG DEALER WANTS $1.1M Profits From His Illegal Drug Sales Were Ordered Forfeited. The ex-wife of a convicted drug trafficker says she wants the $1.1million agents discovered hidden behind a bathroom mirror when they raided Victor Lamont Brown's house 21/2 years ago. Terrie R. Brown contends she is the "legal and beneficial owner" of the money and contends it is not subject to forfeiture. The money was ordered forfeited by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Coyle in a temporary decision after Victor Brown's conviction in November, but the law allows claims to be made against property seized in criminal cases. Terrie Brown said in court documents that her claim is based on "community debts which were incurred by Victor Lamont Brown, child support, child care and educational expenses for our children. ... Claimant therefore asserts her claim to said property and demands its return." Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Rooney, who prosecuted Brown and others in the case, said he doubted Terrie Brown will succeed. "My understanding is you're not allowed to have a community-property interest in illegal money," Rooney said. Victor Brown, who is awaiting sentencing, was convicted by a jury of heading a multimillion-dollar cocaine conspiracy that stretched from Fresno to Missouri and Tennessee. The jury also decided the $1.1million should be forfeited. During the trial, Victor Brown admitted to once being a drug trafficker but said he had given it up during a spiritual awakening and he was not involved in the Missouri and Tennessee conspiracy. The $1.1 million, Brown testified, was profits from earlier drug dealings. Five co-conspirators charged in the Fresno case with Brown -- including his father, James -- testified against him and identified him as the leader of an operation that they said shipped hundreds of pounds of cocaine across country in a recreational vehicle and produced profits of millions of dollars. The Fresno case was connected to an investigation in Kansas City that has resulted in about 20 convictions. Those convicted included Tamarick Vanover, a onetime kick-return specialist for the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs, and former Chiefs running back Bam Morris. They both pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators. Brown, 32, is facing a sentence of 30 years to life in prison. He has been in custody since his arrest in August 1998. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D