Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jul 2005
Source: Herald-Dispatch, The (Huntington, WV)
Copyright: 2005 The Herald-Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.hdonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1454
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

TIME TO TARGET LANDLORDS WHO RENT TO DEALERS

Huntington landlords might want to watch what could be the next arena
in the fight against illegal drugs.

Tom Johnston, the U.S. attorney for West Virginia's Northern District,
would like to see tougher penalties for landlords who allow drug
dealers to operate out of rental property. Johnston would like to see
more property confiscated and see the forfeiture laws that apply to
drug dealers' homes apply to the landlords who lease houses or
apartments to dealers, according to The State Journal newspaper.

Joe Ciccarelli, the FBI's supervisory senior agent in charge for West
Virginia, said some landlords have worked with law enforcement
officials when they have learned their tenants were engaged in drug
trafficking or other illegal activity, while others prefer to look the
other way as long as they get their money, according to The State Journal.

People in Huntington neighborhoods affected by the illegal drug trade
have made similar comments. Too often, the owner of a rental property
is all too willing to lease to anyone who can write a check or provide
the cash for rent, residents have said.

One solution may be for landlords to perform background checks on
people who want to rent. Confiscation would be a drastic step, but it
might be a necessary one. In any case, landlords should not have the
choice of whether to work with law enforcement agencies.

There is one problem that would have to be worked out. Some people say
some drug dealers don't rent property themselves, but they force
themselves into the homes of local residents. The local person pays
the rent while the dealer uses the house or apartment as a base of
operations. Such situations would have to be considered.

However, going after landlords who do not care what their renters do
with their properties is a logical step in the long, difficult process
of reclaiming neighborhoods.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin