DRUG OFFENDER MAY LOSE HIS HOUSE

Chesapeake Man One Of Lawrence's 'Largest Drug Dealers,' Prosecutor Says

IRONTON -- For the first time, the office of Lawrence County Prosecutor
J.B. Collier Jr. is seeking to confiscate the home of a convicted drug
offender.

The prosecutor's office has filed a civil suit in Lawrence County Common
Pleas Court that seeks to confiscate the home of Roger D. Farley, 55, of
532 Rockwood Ave., Chesapeake.

Farley was indicted in 1999 on seven counts of aggravated trafficking in
drugs, three counts of trafficking in drugs, three counts of aggravated
possession of drugs and one count of illegal use of food stamp or WIC
program benefits.

He pleaded no contest March 20, 2000, to three counts of aggravated
possession of drugs and was sentenced by Common Pleas Judge W. Richard
Walton to six years in prison, fined $13,750 and lost his driver's license
for five years. The courts consider a no contest plea the same as a guilty
plea for sentencing purposes.

"He was one of the largest drug dealers in the eastern end of the county,"
Collier said Friday. "We had multiple buys on him. He sold out of his home.
If you are a serious dealer in drugs, you can expect consequences."

The Ohio law allowing the prosecutor to seize assets of a drug dealer has
been on the books for several years, Collier said.

"We've taken several automobiles, but this is the first time we've ever
gone after someone's house.

"We feel good about our chances. The drugs were found in his home subject
to a search warrant," he said.

Chesapeake Mayor Jimmie Justice said the law could be a deterrent to drug
offenders. "I think it's a good thing," he said. "I have no sympathy for
drug dealers, especially in the village of Chesapeake."

Justice said drug dealers in Florida have seen items such as cars, trucks
and cabin cruisers confiscated following drug convictions. "I support
that," he said.

While the potential is there for the filing of such civil suits in drug
cases, Collier said, "We don't use it indiscriminately."

Jeffrey M. Smith, an assistant prosecutor, filed the lawsuit last week
after Farley had exhausted all of his appeals, Collier said.

The complaint said the real estate was used in the commission of a felony
drug offense and that Farley illegally sold drugs in the residence.

The civil suit seeks a legal, clear title to the property. If the property
is confiscated, it will be sold and the proceeds used for law enforcement
efforts, Collier said.