Pubdate: Tue, 13 Feb 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
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.
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