Pubdate: Mon, 28 Jan 2013
Source: Day, The (New London,CT)
Copyright: 2013 The Day Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.theday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293
Author: Karen Florin

NL COUPLE WANT POLICE TO RETURN $10,000 SEIZED IN DRUG RAID

New London - A city couple want the return of more than $10,000 in
cash that police seized during a drug raid in November 2012 that
yielded no illegal narcotics.

Prosecutor Paul J. Narducci is attempting to prove the cash seized
from Catrice Williams and Tyrone Santiago, who are both in their late
20s and have prior drug convictions, is the proceeds of drug
transactions and is therefore subject to forfeiture.

Williams and Santiago are exercising their right to an asset
forfeiture hearing, which is a civil court proceeding at which the
state must present clear and convincing evidence that the money was
derived from drug sales.

The couple cross-examined three police officers as the hearing got
under way Monday before Judge Susan B. Handy. Williams and Santiago
asked for a continuance so they could speak to an attorney before
presenting their case. The judge continued the hearing to March 27,

According to testimony and court documents, the police executed a
search and seizure warrant at 70 Brainard St., Apt. 1, after an
anonymous tip line caller and a confidential informant told them there
were drug sales at the apartment. The police said they conducted two
controlled purchases of illegal drugs at the apartment in the weeks
before the raid during which they observed somebody resembling
Williams meet the confidential informant at the door.

The officers said they forced their way into the apartment, finding no
illegal narcotics but seizing $8,000 in cash from a bedroom closet and
sums of money from Santiago's pants pocket, two purses and a dresser
drawer. Williams and Santiago dispute the amount of money seized and
say the police took other items, including jewelry. They said the
officers thanked them for the money and "high-fived" each other as
they left the apartment.

Though nobody has been arrested, the police said the investigation is
continuing.

Officer Brian Laurie testified that Williams had a lot of "brand new
clothing" in the apartment, including "dozens upon dozens" of shoes.
He said the officers marked three large plasma screen televisions as
evidence. He noted Williams had two vehicles - an Audi and an a
minivan - and that the house was well-stocked with food. Williams, who
said she works in the health care industry, said she was unemployed
when the raid occurred but is currently working two jobs.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D