Pubdate: Tue, 13 Feb 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 Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n067/a09.html FATHER GETS TWO YEARS IN DRUG CASE Fresno Man Testified Against His Son, Who Got Life For Cocaine Dealing. James D. Brown, whose testimony helped convict his son and others in a major cocaine-trafficking ring, was himself sentenced to two years in prison Monday. Brown, 55, pleaded guilty two years ago this month and cooperated in the prosecution of his son, Victor Lamont Brown, who last month was sentenced to life in prison for heading a cocaine conspiracy that stretched from Fresno to Missouri and Tennessee. James Brown not only cooperated in his son's trial in Fresno, but also gave testimony in cases in Kansas City, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Rooney. Brown and his lawyer, H. Ronald Sawl, told U.S. District Judge Robert E. Coyle that Brown had turned his life around since participating in the drug deals. He is now working as a counselor in a substance-abuse program. The government had recommended that Brown receive a substantial reduction in his potential sentence because of his cooperation with prosecutors. Rooney said that although there "was a lot of cocaine in the case ... this man's role was a mule. All he did was take orders." Coyle agreed to accept the government's recommendation for a sentence of two years for Brown, but before sentencing him reminded Brown that "this benefit may never come your way again" and "I hope we never see you here again." The judge allowed Brown to self surrender April 16 to begin serving his term, which includes a 500-hour substance-abuse program. He also placed him on one-year supervised release following completion of his sentence. The Fresno case was connected to an investigation in Kansas City that has resulted in about 20 convictions. Those convicted included Tamarick Vanover, a former kick-return specialist for the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs, and former Chiefs running back Bam Morris. Vanover and Morris pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators. Five co-conspirators charged in the Fresno case with Victor Brown, including his father, all pleaded guilty and testified against him. Victor Brown, 32, was arrested Aug. 7, 1998, after Fresno police and drug agents found $1.1 million in cash at his girlfriend's northeast Fresno home and 13 pounds of cocaine at his father's home. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D