[The Tahlequah Daily Press allow readers to respond to their articles. This
article has 4 responses. They are worth reading (especially response #2!!)
so I have included them. Have fun. Leon]

<http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1825&dept_id=129120&newsid=105
14719&PAG=461&rfi=9>
 

Prosecutors want vehicles, cash and more from drug raid 


November 14, 2003

Cherokee County prosecutors want more than $4,000 in cash, vehicles and
weapons seized last week when a residence east of Fort Gibson was raided.
A notice of seizure and forfeiture was filed Wednesday for $4,088.10, a
1990 Chevrolet pickup, a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe, a Honda Fourtrax
four-wheeler, rifles, shotguns, binoculars, lights, black powder tools, a
crossbow, bag with bow items and 42 boxes of ammunition. 
The property was seized when the District 27 drug task force, Muskogee drug
task force, Fort Gibson police and Muskogee County sheriff's deputies
searched the home of Kenneth Ray Miller.
Miller was arrested Nov. 4 and formally charged Nov. 7 with possession of
marijuana with intent to distribute. The notice of seizure and forfeiture
is civil and separate from the criminal charges pending against Miller, 36.
Miller can file documents to contest the property forfeiture, and if he
does, a hearing will be held. If not, the district attorney's office can
seek an order forfeiting the property to the state 45 days from the mailing
or publication of the notice.
Assistant District Attorney Donovan Dobbs is prosecuting the criminal case
and filed the forfeiture notice.

©Tahlequah Daily Press 2003


Reader Opinions
Post your opinion and share your thoughts with other readers!
Back to Story 1 - 4 of 4
 Name: VO Wright
Date: Nov, 17 2003
The actual law that allows all this is a federal one, not state. It goes
back years although I did not research it to the exact statute. The drug
dealers/manufacturers had a choice to make when they set up business and
there are ways around it, as there generally are when real money is
involved.
 
 Name: Criminal Equalizer
Date: Nov, 17 2003
What is the problem with Law Enforcement taking vehicles, cash, guns, ammo
or anything else associated with the distribution of illegal drugs? Most
departments fund their narcotics officers from the seizures made. The
public will not assist in funding these type of operations. This is not
illegal or unethical. If these criminals want to play the game,they must be
willing to loose any item that facilitates their ability to sell drugs. All
of the dopers know this before entering into their little business. Most of
the dopers I know have more vehicles, guns, cash and property than I do. If
John Q Citizen had to face at least one gun every time they did their job
they too would understand the necessity of taking these items. Once these
items are taken, they can either be sold or destroyed. It makes no sense to
destroy the items when underfunded Law Enforcement can use the money to
assist them in busting other dopers. According to state law, Cash, Any
money raised from the sale of weapons, vehicles or other items can only be
used for fighting drugs. Quit feeling sorry for these poor little dopers,
they are destroying or society and some of you are aiding them in thinking
they have society behind them. You people that think this way are the same
people that believe we should not be in Iraq. the enemy sees that America
is devided so they keep up the fight hoping America gives up. The same goes
for dopers, if they think society is behind them instead of Law Enforcement
they will keep pushing hoping L.E. gives up. Thank God for some department
heads, and thank God for President Bush.
 
 Name: B Raab
Date: Nov, 17 2003
This isn't about drugs, it's about greed-the greed of some law enforcement
agencies who are expected to fund their operations through siezure of
assets. When this policy first raised it's ugly head, I stated to everyone
that it was setting a dangerous precedent. For my awareness, I was treated
like a leper. It doesn't make me happy to say I told you so. These things
must stop, as the average citizen doesn't have the resources to fight this
kind of thing and even if they do, the "law?" ties up everything they own
so they can't fight then offers to let them go if they don't fight the
forfeiture. This is extortion, plain and simple.
 
 Name: Larry Anderson
Date: Nov, 14 2003
Is this was the war on drugs is about? Charging people with Marihuana
violations to take their property?
I notice that there is no conviction, and they are already trying to get
the property.
 


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