Pubdate: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 Source: Knoxville News-Sentinel (TN) Copyright: 2001 The Knoxville News-Sentinel Co. Contact: http://www.knoxnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/226 Author: Laura Ayo Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE RINGS UP $5.3 MILLION U.S. Attorney Harry S. Mattice Jr. announced Friday the U.S. attorney's office collected more than $5.3 million during fiscal year 2001. The money came from criminal fines, restitution, loan defaults, bankruptcy, forfeitures, civil enforcement and other sources. Much of the forfeited funds go to state and local law enforcement agencies, while criminal fines and assessments go to the Crime Victims' Fund. "In light of the tragic events of Sept. 11, we have placed a special emphasis on the collection of the monies that are placed in the Crime Victims' Fund due to the expected tremendous increase in the need for assistance," Mattice said in a press release. Convicted Felon Admits Drug And Gun Offenses A convicted felon admitted Friday that he possessed 34 firearms and distributed multiple pounds of marijuana. Jimmy Wayne Gray, 50, of Rutledge pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James Jarvis to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 kilograms of marijuana and cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms. Gray's plea agreement papers state U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Knox County Sheriff's Department officers found 21.5 pounds of marijuana, two ounces of cocaine, about $11,000 in cash and 34 guns while searching Gray's residence March 17, 2000. The search warrant stemmed from information that Gray had distributed 50 to 100 pounds of marijuana between 1998 and early 1999, according to court records. Gray, who was convicted of aggravated assault in 1988 in Grainger County, had a pistol, five revolvers, two derringers, eight rifles, including a 1940 military bolt-action rifle, and 16 shotguns. Two of the guns didn't have serial numbers, according to the indictment. And two didn't function as designed, the plea papers state. Gray, who will be free on a $20,000 bond pending a Jan. 11 sentencing, faces up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Texas Woman Pleads Innocent To Conspiracy U.S. Magistrate Thomas Phillips unsealed a money-laundering and marijuana conspiracy indictment during a court appearance Thursday for one of three defendants. Pamela Denise Heatherly, 37, of Mission, Texas, pleaded innocent to conspiring between early 1995 and July 12, 1998, with Knoxville residents Jerome S. Noe, 31, and Johnathan W. Barnes, 28, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The indictment also charges the three with conspiracy to commit money laundering during the same period. In addition, Noe faces one count of concealing Cesar Duran from arrest on Jan. 30, 1998, knowing authorities had a warrant for Duran's arrest. Federal court records show charges pending against Duran. The indictment also charges Heatherly with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana on July 9, 1998. Noe and Barnes are also charged with attempt to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and 500 grams or more of cocaine on July 12, 1998. Noe and Barnes pleaded innocent to the charges last month. Trial is set for Dec. 17. All three remain free on $20,000 bonds and face up to 60 years in prison and $2.5 million in fines if convicted of the conspiracy charges. The indictment also calls for the three to forfeit $1.3 million. The FBI, Internal Revenue Service, Drug Enforcement Agency and Knox County Sheriff's Department investigated the case. Knox Man Pleads Guilty To Growing Pot In Closet A Knoxville man admitted Thursday that he grew 110 marijuana plants in a closet in his home. William Noble Clemons, 50, pleaded guilty before Jarvis to one count of manufacturing marijuana Aug. 14. The details of his plea agreement were sealed. The charge stemmed from a search warrant executed at his Joe Hinton Road residence in August. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk