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