Pubdate: Fri, 12 Jan 2001
Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2001 The Fresno Bee
Contact:  http://www.fresnobee.com/man/opinion/letters.html
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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.
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