Pubdate: Sun, 16 Nov 2003
Source: Delta Democrat Times (MS)
Copyright: 2003 Delta Democrat Times
Contact:  http://www.ddtonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2123
Author: Amy Redwine, Delta Democrat Times

MID-DELTA LAWMEN SPLIT ON SHARING SEIZURE BOUNTY

When Frank Melton announced plans to ask the Mississippi Legislature to 
change the way proceeds are broken down from joint investigations, some 
Mid-Delta law enforcement officials were in favor.

Others, however, don't agree with the director of the Mississippi Bureau of 
Narcotics.

Melton has said he will lobby in January for all proceeds from drug raids 
that involve the state agency to be split, 50-50, between the bureau and 
local agencies.

The reason for the even split, he said, is that the MBN is strapped for 
cash and no longer can afford to give up 80 percent of forfeiture proceeds 
from joint drug operations with local agencies -- which is now state law.

"It's crushed us," Melton said.

But if his plan becomes law, smaller agencies are really going to be 
crushed, according to some Mid-Delta law enforcement officials.

Greenville Police Chief Lon Pepper Jr. said he thinks the current split 
should be left alone.

"Presently, if we initiate (the drug operation), we get 80 percent and they 
get 20 percent," Pepper said. "For one thing, local law enforcement has a 
much tighter budget than state agencies. Cases are generally generated 
through local law enforcement efforts to begin with."

Pepper said the current system is the most conducive for local law 
enforcement to use.

Hollandale Police Chief Robert Winn Jr. agreed.

"I think they should let it stay the way it is. The towns in which they 
come in to do drug bust are the towns that are having the most problems," 
Winn said.

He said the proceeds that are accumulated in joint busts need to be put 
back into the drug fund to help enforce anti-drug activity after the state 
agency leaves.

"We are working on little to no budget as far as drug wise. The budget is 
already tight," Winn said.

Other Mid-Delta lawmen are in favor of the change.

Washington County Sheriff Victor said an even split is just fine with him.

"I think if Frank Melton needs the money, he ought to have it, especially 
if it is on a joint effort," he said. "Without him and his department, we 
would not have it in the first place."

Cleveland Police Chief Drew Warren said he, too, is OK with the proposed 
50-50 split.

"I don't have any problems. The state should have resources for criminal 
investigators," Warren said.

He said local municipalities usually do not have the resources for criminal 
investigators. However, the state should have access to any necessary tools 
for its investigations. Warren said it is a better way for state agencies 
to finance equipment.

"It takes a lot of sophisticated equipment to assist investigators in 
certain surveillance and documentation," he said.

Sunflower County Sheriff Ned Holder also favors sharing equally.

"I think they deserve more than an 80 to 20 split," he said. "I think they 
should be able to get 50 percent."

Holder said he still feels that way even though it would take proceeds from 
his department.

Leland Police Chief Eddie Johnson also said he does not have a problem with 
sharing the wealth.

"We are getting something out of it, as long as we are working together, we 
are working together for the same common cause," Johnson said. "They 
deserve something out it."

In fiscal year 2003, the MBN shared $361,219 of forfeited drug proceeds 
with other agencies and kept $70,652. The bureau's general fund budget went 
from $15.3 million in fiscal 2000 to $9.7 million in 2004, a 37 percent 
decrease.

Melton said a recent incident is what sparked his concern. He said a 
sheriff's department wanted to know how much money it would get out of 
$750,000 that was confiscated from a suspected drug dealer. Melton said 
questions about the money began before the man was indicted, tried and 
convicted.

The current law is turning the fight against drugs into a "money grab," he 
said.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake