COUPLE WANT CASH THEY GAVE TO POLICE

DALLAS -- When a suburban Dallas couple found a bag with $300,000 and
a handgun two months ago, they say they didn't hesitate to turn it
over to police.

But now that no one's claimed the cash, they say they are entitled to
get it back.

The couple -- a maintenance worker and a kidney transplant patient --
say the money was meant for them as a blessing from God.

But authorities believe the money may be part of a drug deal, and
because federal agents are investigating, the return policy doesn't
apply.

The Duncanville residents, who are in their 40s, asked not to be
identified because of fear for their safety.

The couple discovered the money Dec. 4 in a duffel bag left at a
Southwest Dallas intersection. The woman said she expected to find
student textbooks but instead discovered wads of $100 bills.

"I was like, `Oh, Lord!' Then I wondered if someone was watching me or
we might be in danger," she said.

The couple said they flagged down a police officer, who said they
could get the cash back if it wasn't claimed within 60 days.

The next day, the woman said police called her with a claim number and
a tally of $299,100.

But the money now is tied up in an investigation by the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration, which found traces of cocaine on the bills.

If the money is found to be connected to a crime, the DEA and the
Dallas Police Department could seize the money and share it.

"The DEA determined this is drug money," said Sgt. Hollis Edwards, a
Dallas Police Department spokesman. "It is not the same thing as
finding a wallet."

If the money is returned to the Dallas Police Department, it probably
will be used for crime-fighting efforts, Edwards said.

Robert Udashen, the couple's lawyer, said authorities are backing out
of their policy because they want to keep the cash. He said traces of
illegal drugs can be found on most bills in circulation.

"This is the ancient legal doctrine of finders keepers, losers
weepers," he said. "My clients found it and reported it to the police
like good, honest citizens. Under the law, it belongs to them."

Udashen said the couple has filed a claim for the cash with the DEA
and the City of Dallas.

He said some of the money also appears to be missing and may have been
stolen while in police custody. The DEA confirms that $286,600 was
turned over by police, $12,500 less than the amount reported to the
couple.

Edwards said the department is investigating the missing money and the
possibility of theft.