Pubdate: Wed, 14 Sep 2005
Source: Wilson County News (TX)
Copyright: 2005 Wilson County News.
Contact:  http://www.wilsoncountynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3021
Author: Curtis E. Burton

DA'S NARCOTICS DIVISION COSTS TAXPAYERS 'ABSOLUTELY NOTHING'

All Citizens Within The 81st Judicial District Benefit

FLORESVILLE - In addition to the numerous approaches and judicial tools he 
uses to aggressively pursue convictions for criminals who commit various 
crimes, District Attorney Rene Pena is very proud of a particular strategy 
to track down and arrest drug violators.

The reference is to the drug-enforcement program operated within his 
office, which Pena calls the District Attorney's Narcotics Division. It is 
one of only four such programs in the state.

Aside from its success in nailing drug dealers and other drug violators, 
its operation costs taxpayers throughout the 81st Judicial District 
"absolutely nothing." The jurisdiction covers Wilson, Atascosa, Frio, 
Karnes, and La Salle counties.

"The financing of the program is really simple," Pena said. "We use the 
funds generated by drug dealers to combat them in their illegal actions."

Pena explained that the money seized through the judicial process from the 
drug violator, who later is convicted, is awarded to the state, which is 
then returned to his program.

The in-house entity employs Danny Dawson as its only enforcement officer. 
His job is that of an interdiction patrolman and investigator.

Although he is not restricted to the I-35 corridor, stretching from La 
Salle County in the south through Wilson County in the north of the 81st 
Judicial District, Dawson frequently patrols the highway, where history 
reflects drug trafficking is heavy.

Dawson's salary, vehicle, equipment which he uses in apprehending 
criminals, and his drug-sniffing canine, Rex, are financed solely with the 
illegally procured money which is legally seized from drug offenders. "No 
money from taxpayers, the state, or the federal government is used," Pena said.

The district attorney acknowledged that La Salle County financially 
assisted in creating the program.

Since the program was started last February, Dawson said he has confiscated 
more than $200,000 in currency, 400 pounds of marijuana, 20 pounds of 
cocaine, and other drugs.

Pena said he realized the need for additional help in combating the drug 
problem after Gov. Rick Perry appointed him to his post in 2004. He filled 
the vacancy of former District Attorney Lynn Ellison, who resigned earlier 
that year.

"I investigated and pursued plans for a program like this one during my 
campaign for election in November," Pena said. "By February, I had met 
Danny, I was impressed with him and his credentials, and we soon 
established our District Attorney's Narcotics Division."

Dawson began his law-enforcement career in Dallas, and later worked in 
Corpus Christi. The 34-year-old officer's career spans 12 years, seven of 
which he has worked specifically with drug violators.

Pena stressed the importance of the program, discussing how the drug 
problem in the 81st District is not mitigating.

He discussed that the logistical location and size of his jurisdiction, 
which begins just 40 miles from the Mexican border and extends all the way 
to the Bexar County line, covering five counties, are sufficient reasons 
alone to justify the existence of the District Attorney's Narcotics Division.

The district attorney's enforcement program is not a part of the Drug 
Enforcement Agency (DEA) or any other state or federal agency.

While on the highway, Dawson appears not unlike any other trooper with the 
Texas Department of Public Safety who is watching for traffic violators.

The officer was quick to admit his work is made easier by his 10-year-old 
Belgian Malanois. "Rex is certain to sniff out that which I can't find," 
the officer said.

Dawson discussed the mindset of many of those he stops. "It's like nothing 
else matters for them but the money," he said.

On occasion, Dawson recognizes individuals he has stopped and arrested 
before, and sometimes they remember him.

"And they're just back committing the same old crime. Then there are 
others, who are clean, but I have a keen sense of what they are up to, and 
I warn them of the consequences. Some of them just laugh," he said.

Dawson's involvement in drug enforcement sometimes requires his presence in 
out-of-state jurisdictions.

"I feel that I am doing something good to help people. I have seen 
firsthand what drugs can do, particularly to young people, and the picture 
isn't pretty," Dawson said.

"We really can't put a face or name to the magnitude of good that Danny is 
doing in his job," Pena said.

"Although we primarily think of him investigating drug crimes and enforcing 
drug laws, Danny's skills also help him to identify those with possible 
other ulterior motives, such as those of terrorists," Pena said.

He continued, "All kinds travel the I-35 corridor, and Danny must be 
prepared and be careful. We are fortunate to have him and his skills at 
work for our citizens."
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman