DA'S NARCOTICS DIVISION COSTS TAXPAYERS 'ABSOLUTELY NOTHING'

All Citizens Within The 81st Judicial District Benefit

FLORESVILLE - In addition to the numerous approaches and judicial tools he
uses to aggressively pursue convictions for criminals who commit various
crimes, District Attorney Rene Pena is very proud of a particular strategy
to track down and arrest drug violators.

The reference is to the drug-enforcement program operated within his
office, which Pena calls the District Attorney's Narcotics Division. It is
one of only four such programs in the state.

Aside from its success in nailing drug dealers and other drug violators,
its operation costs taxpayers throughout the 81st Judicial District
"absolutely nothing." The jurisdiction covers Wilson, Atascosa, Frio,
Karnes, and La Salle counties.

"The financing of the program is really simple," Pena said. "We use the
funds generated by drug dealers to combat them in their illegal actions."

Pena explained that the money seized through the judicial process from the
drug violator, who later is convicted, is awarded to the state, which is
then returned to his program.

The in-house entity employs Danny Dawson as its only enforcement officer.
His job is that of an interdiction patrolman and investigator.

Although he is not restricted to the I-35 corridor, stretching from La
Salle County in the south through Wilson County in the north of the 81st
Judicial District, Dawson frequently patrols the highway, where history
reflects drug trafficking is heavy.

Dawson's salary, vehicle, equipment which he uses in apprehending
criminals, and his drug-sniffing canine, Rex, are financed solely with the
illegally procured money which is legally seized from drug offenders. "No
money from taxpayers, the state, or the federal government is used," Pena said.

The district attorney acknowledged that La Salle County financially
assisted in creating the program.

Since the program was started last February, Dawson said he has confiscated
more than $200,000 in currency, 400 pounds of marijuana, 20 pounds of
cocaine, and other drugs.

Pena said he realized the need for additional help in combating the drug
problem after Gov. Rick Perry appointed him to his post in 2004. He filled
the vacancy of former District Attorney Lynn Ellison, who resigned earlier
that year.

"I investigated and pursued plans for a program like this one during my
campaign for election in November," Pena said. "By February, I had met
Danny, I was impressed with him and his credentials, and we soon
established our District Attorney's Narcotics Division."

Dawson began his law-enforcement career in Dallas, and later worked in
Corpus Christi. The 34-year-old officer's career spans 12 years, seven of
which he has worked specifically with drug violators.

Pena stressed the importance of the program, discussing how the drug
problem in the 81st District is not mitigating.

He discussed that the logistical location and size of his jurisdiction,
which begins just 40 miles from the Mexican border and extends all the way
to the Bexar County line, covering five counties, are sufficient reasons
alone to justify the existence of the District Attorney's Narcotics Division.

The district attorney's enforcement program is not a part of the Drug
Enforcement Agency (DEA) or any other state or federal agency.

While on the highway, Dawson appears not unlike any other trooper with the
Texas Department of Public Safety who is watching for traffic violators.

The officer was quick to admit his work is made easier by his 10-year-old
Belgian Malanois. "Rex is certain to sniff out that which I can't find,"
the officer said.

Dawson discussed the mindset of many of those he stops. "It's like nothing
else matters for them but the money," he said.

On occasion, Dawson recognizes individuals he has stopped and arrested
before, and sometimes they remember him.

"And they're just back committing the same old crime. Then there are
others, who are clean, but I have a keen sense of what they are up to, and
I warn them of the consequences. Some of them just laugh," he said.

Dawson's involvement in drug enforcement sometimes requires his presence in
out-of-state jurisdictions.

"I feel that I am doing something good to help people. I have seen
firsthand what drugs can do, particularly to young people, and the picture
isn't pretty," Dawson said.

"We really can't put a face or name to the magnitude of good that Danny is
doing in his job," Pena said.

"Although we primarily think of him investigating drug crimes and enforcing
drug laws, Danny's skills also help him to identify those with possible
other ulterior motives, such as those of terrorists," Pena said.

He continued, "All kinds travel the I-35 corridor, and Danny must be
prepared and be careful. We are fortunate to have him and his skills at
work for our citizens."