Pubdate: Wed, 02 Aug 2003
Source: Times Daily (Florence, AL)
Copyright: 2003 Times Daily
Contact:  http://www.timesdaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1641
Author: Tom Smith
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

DRUG HOUSE IN VINA SEIZED AND BURNED

Law Enforcement Hoping To Send A Message To Others 

VINA - Thick, black smoke billowed from the old manufactured home as
a wall of fire burst through the door and windows.

As it burned, several area law enforcement officials stood outside,
watching.

This wasn't an accidental house fire. It was started deliberately. But
there will not be an investigation.

"Tonight, we're sending another message to those dealing drugs in
Franklin County,'' said District Attorney John Pilati. "As far as your
vehicle or property goes, if you use it for drug activity, plan to
lose it as a result.''

The manufactured home, on a lot at 42 Church Street in Vina, was
seized as a part of Operation Bedrock.

The 17-month undercover operation has resulted in the arrest of more
than 70 people and the seizure, through civil condemnation
proceedings, of numerous vehicles and other property because of
illegal drug activity.

Operation Bedrock began in late summer 2001 as a joint venture between
the police departments in Red Bay and Belmont, Miss., and the Alabama
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's Drug Enforcement Unit. Other
agencies such as the Tishomingo, Miss., Sheriff's Department, Franklin
County Sheriff's Office, the district attorney's office, and the
Tishomingo, Miss., South Constable were also involved with the operation.

Pilati said the manufactured home was the site of four different
illegal drug transactions involving Venda Roberson and her daughter,
Christina Six.

Pilati said the 22-year-old Six has pled guilty to distribution of a
controlled substance and a 10-year sentence. She is awaiting final
sentencing.

He said the 54-year-old Roberson has signed a plea agreement by which
she will plead guilty to a 10-year sentence on distribution charges.

The property that included the mobile home was forfeited to the State
of Alabama on June 11.

"The trailer was deteriorated and not fit to live in,'' Pilati
said.

So, with members of the Vina Fire Department standing by, Franklin
County Sheriff Larry Plott, Tishimongo County Sheriff David Smith,
Tishimongo South Constable Sammy South and Red Bay Police Chief Ronald
"Reb'' Boatwright, ignited the building.

"They had been dealing drugs from here a long time. It's been a source
of complaints for some time,'' Boatwright said as he watched the
building start to crumble.

"During Operation Bedrock, informants were able to make buys here, and
we were able to put the suspects in jail and seize the property,'' he
added.

The property and trailer is across a driveway from a church and near
Vina High School.

"They won't be selling anymore dope out of here,'' South said as he
walked up to watch the building burn with other officials. "I was glad
to be a part of the overall operation. We tried to make a dent in the
illegal drug activity moving across the state line, and I think we
accomplished that.''

Pilati said he hopes other drug dealers get the message.

"I want them to see that we're serious when we talk about the risk of
losing personal property if they deal drugs from it,'' he said. "From
the frequency of visits to this resident, it was almost like a
methamphetamine drive-through.

"We hope this is a warning to other drug dealers that our efforts
won't stop.''

Pilati said the debris left by the fire will be cleaned up and the
property auctioned.

"Hopefully, once sold, this land will finally be put to some
productive use,'' he said. "The good people of Vina deserve better
than drug dealing taking place across from their church and school.
This is another step in the right direction.''
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin