SHERIFF SEES RETURN ON DRUG BUST

Department's Help On Federal Case Earns It Part Of Take

A week after the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department announced plans to
rejoin the Metro Drug Unit, the sheriff's department will see a return on a
federal drug investigation that relied on its participation.

U.S. Attorney Kasey Warner was scheduled to present Sheriff Dave Tucker
with a $10,328.36 check this afternoon during a ceremony recognizing the
department and deputies for their help in a recent marijuana and
methamphetamine investigation.

The funds come from money and property seized in a federal investigation
that resulted in charges against Kanawha County resident Sammy Cravens Jr.

The sheriff's department supplied both personnel and resources during the
investigation, which went on for almost one year and ended with
"far-reaching" evidence of drug sales throughout the region.

The US Attorney's Office said the proceeds are "significant" compared to
other forfeiture amounts. The sheriff's department is the only local agency
receiving a share of proceeds from the Cravens' case.

The department also will receive a seized vehicle that will be used in
undercover drug operations in the county.

"We obviously appreciate the opportunity, and it's another example of our
partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office," said Sgt. Jess Bailes,
spokesman for the sheriff.

Today's ceremony comes a few weeks after Tucker criticized Warner for
investigating him. Warner had asked the County Commission for information
about Tucker's alleged wearing of a bomb disposal badge usually reserved as
a military honor.

Tucker said the department has designed its own bomb disposal badge and he
hasn't violated any laws by displaying the insignia on his outfits.

Bailes said the department now can use the forfeiture proceeds to complete
other drug investigations, buy special equipment or pay any expenses not
included in its general operating budget.

"Our department doesn't usually receive a huge amount of money from
forfeitures," Bailes said. "We have received a nominal amount from the
state, but most of our forfeitures either come through out participation in
(the Metro Drug Unit) or from federal investigations."

The department pulled its deputy from the drug unit in May, citing a
shortage of personnel on the road.

In previous years, the department has received about $3,000 annually in
forfeitures through Metro Drug Unit investigations.

Writer Kris Wise can be reached at 348-1244.