FATHER GETS TWO YEARS IN DRUG CASE

Fresno Man Testified Against His Son, Who Got Life For Cocaine Dealing.

James D. Brown, whose testimony helped convict his son and others in a
major cocaine-trafficking ring, was himself sentenced to two years in
prison Monday.

Brown, 55, pleaded guilty two years ago this month and cooperated in the
prosecution of his son, Victor Lamont Brown, who last month was sentenced
to life in prison for heading a cocaine conspiracy that stretched from
Fresno to Missouri and Tennessee.

James Brown not only cooperated in his son's trial in Fresno, but also gave
testimony in cases in Kansas City, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney
Kevin P. Rooney.

Brown and his lawyer, H. Ronald Sawl, told U.S. District Judge Robert E.
Coyle that Brown had turned his life around since participating in the drug
deals. He is now working as a counselor in a substance-abuse program.

The government had recommended that Brown receive a substantial reduction
in his potential sentence because of his cooperation with prosecutors.
Rooney said that although there "was a lot of cocaine in the case ... this
man's role was a mule. All he did was take orders."

Coyle agreed to accept the government's recommendation for a sentence of
two years for Brown, but before sentencing him reminded Brown that "this
benefit may never come your way again" and "I hope we never see you here
again."

The judge allowed Brown to self surrender April 16 to begin serving his
term, which includes a 500-hour substance-abuse program. He also placed him
on one-year supervised release following completion of his sentence.

The Fresno case was connected to an investigation in Kansas City that has
resulted in about 20 convictions.

Those convicted included Tamarick Vanover, a former kick-return specialist
for the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs, and former Chiefs
running back Bam Morris.

Vanover and Morris pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators.

Five co-conspirators charged in the Fresno case with Victor Brown,
including his father, all pleaded guilty and testified against him.

Victor Brown, 32, was arrested Aug. 7, 1998, after Fresno police and drug
agents found $1.1 million in cash at his girlfriend's northeast Fresno home
and 13 pounds of cocaine at his father's home.