Pubdate: Sat, 16 Mar 2002
Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO)
Copyright: 2002, Denver Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.rockymountainnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

MYSTERIOUS MAP LEADS TO BURIED TREASURE IN PALM BEACH

A mysterious map locked in a safe deposit box led investigators to a buried 
treasure hidden in a suburban backyard.

Authorities found $1 million in bills of $10, $20, $50 and $100 stuffed in 
a dozen Tupperware containers buried 3 feet under ground in what may turn 
out to be one of the largest cash seizures in Palm Beach County history.

The money was discovered as part of an ongoing investigation of a marijuana 
growing and distribution network in Palm Beach County, U.S. Drug 
Enforcement Administration officials said.

Property records listed Richard T. Schmidt as the owner of the house where 
the money was found. DEA officials would not say whether Schmidt had been 
charged.

"My dog got loose in his yard a couple of times," said across-the-street 
neighbor Mike Nee. "When I heard, I thought, 'Damn, I wish my dog could 
smell money.'"

The investigation began eight months ago when Palm Beach County sheriff's 
investigators, West Palm Beach Police and DEA agents searched houses and 
safe deposit boxes in Palm Beach and Broward counties.

Officials said the investigation has turned up at least $3 million in 
marijuana in searches in suburban West Palm Beach, Jupiter and other 
undisclosed locations.

Investigators raided two houses on Tuesday and found keys to three safe 
deposit boxes. Inside one of the boxes, they found a crudely drawn map, a 
rough outline of a house and back yard.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager