Pubdate: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 Source: Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Copyright: 2006 The Palm Beach Post Contact: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333 Author: Teresa Lane, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. JUDGE GIVES GO-AHEAD TO 6 FORFEITURE CASES IN PORT ST.LUCIE FORT PIERCE -- A circuit judge ruled Monday that forfeiture cases can proceed against six Port St. Lucie homes police say were converted into virtual marijuana farms, and a city attorney promised she'll return with more cases as the number of drug busts citywide rises weekly. Circuit Judge Ben Bryan said there's probable cause to believe the six homes on Glenwood Drive, South Danville Circle, Ginger Lane, Independence Road, and Addie and Halibut streets were engaged in criminal activity after detailed testimony by police detectives, who have raided more than 35 so-called "grow houses" in the past month. Although Bryan gave police immediate custody of most of the houses, he said suspects can work out a deal to continue living in the homes until the forfeiture cases are resolved. Some property owners have hired attorneys to fight the seizures, but one testified Monday he no longer has money to pay his lawyer and another dismissed his attorney after Monday's hearing. Police described elaborate growing operations at the six houses, where interior walls had been built to cordon off farming rooms from other parts of the single-family homes. In many cases, the growing and drying rooms were accessible only from an outside locked door, detectives said, and aluminum foil lined the walls where plants were being cultivated inside large pots. Some growers tried to mask the excessive amount of electricity their lights were using by tampering with electric meters and wires, police said. Florida Power & Light Co. cut off electricity to many of the homes, rendering them uninhabitable. An attorney for homeowner [Name redacted]said [Name redacted] would like to remain in his house with his common-law wife and two children, but can't afford to repair the electrical system. [Name redacted] is the only property owner who has obtained a homestead exemption on his house, and an assistant city attorney for Port St. Lucie conceded she will have to drop the forfeiture claim against his home at 169 S.W. South Danville Circle if the exemption is declared valid. Previous court cases have protected property owners from seizure if their homes have a valid homestead exemption, Assistant City Attorney Gabrielle Taylor said. The probable cause findings were the first in a lengthy seizure process that could end in trials. Although Taylor told Bryan to expect more seizure cases, she declined to say how many of the estimated three dozen homes the city will try to acquire. Bryan also found probable cause Monday to continue seizure cases against two vehicles suspected of being used in the illicit farming activities. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman