WIFE OF CONVICTED FRESNO DRUG DEALER WANTS $1.1M

Profits From His Illegal Drug Sales Were Ordered Forfeited.

The ex-wife of a convicted drug trafficker says she wants the $1.1million
agents discovered hidden behind a bathroom mirror when they raided Victor
Lamont Brown's house 21/2 years ago.

Terrie R. Brown contends she is the "legal and beneficial owner" of the
money and contends it is not subject to forfeiture.

The money was ordered forfeited by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Coyle in a
temporary decision after Victor Brown's conviction in November, but the law
allows claims to be made against property seized in criminal cases.

Terrie Brown said in court documents that her claim is based on "community
debts which were incurred by Victor Lamont Brown, child support, child care
and educational expenses for our children. ... Claimant therefore asserts
her claim to said property and demands its return."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Rooney, who prosecuted Brown and others in
the case, said he doubted Terrie Brown will succeed.

"My understanding is you're not allowed to have a community-property
interest in illegal money," Rooney said.

Victor Brown, who is awaiting sentencing, was convicted by a jury of
heading a multimillion-dollar cocaine conspiracy that stretched from Fresno
to Missouri and Tennessee.

The jury also decided the $1.1million should be forfeited.

During the trial, Victor Brown admitted to once being a drug trafficker but
said he had given it up during a spiritual awakening and he was not
involved in the Missouri and Tennessee conspiracy.

The $1.1 million, Brown testified, was profits from earlier drug dealings.

Five co-conspirators charged in the Fresno case with Brown -- including his
father, James -- testified against him and identified him as the leader of
an operation that they said shipped hundreds of pounds of cocaine across
country in a recreational vehicle and produced profits of millions of dollars.

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

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

They both pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators.

Brown, 32, is facing a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.

He has been in custody since his arrest in August 1998.