Pubdate: Wed, 10 Jul 2002
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA)
Copyright: 2002 The Augusta Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.augustachronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/31
Note: Does not publishing letters from outside of the immediate Georgia and 
South Carolina circulation area
Author: Greg Rickabaugh

POLICE GET CASH FOR DRUG ARREST

Sheriff Ronnie Strength's budget got a big boost Tuesday as federal 
officials handed him a check for nearly a quarter-million dollars for his 
office's role in bringing down drug kingpin Robert "Fat Boy" Snell. The 
money, taken from Mr. Snell's forfeited property and drug earnings, can be 
used only for law enforcement purposes, such as buying weapons, conducting 
training or planning undercover operations.

Sheriff Strength smiled Tuesday as he accepted an oversize check for 
$236,575 from Rick Thompson, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of 
Georgia. The sheriff said it probably was the largest check he has received 
as part of the federal government's equitable-sharing program.

"We're always excited when we get these checks, but we are more excited 
when we take these guys off the street," the sheriff said.

Mr. Snell, known as Fat Boy in drug circles because of his size, admitted 
making millions in the drug trade when he pleaded guilty last year to 
selling large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamines, Ecstasy and marijuana.

Mr. Snell, 46, also agreed to surrender $2.5 million in drug money, two 
trucks and a lavish five-bedroom home in Grovetown. In March, the U.S. 
Marshals Service sold the home.

Chief Judge Dudley Bowen Jr. sentenced Mr. Snell to 27 years in prison last 
year after he agreed to cooperate with authorities.

Mr. Snell's downfall came at the hands of several agencies, including the 
Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI, the 
South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division and sheriff's offices in 
Richmond and Aiken counties. SLED will receive a check for $22,629 as part 
of its share of the forfeited property.
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