POLICE GET CASH FOR DRUG ARREST

Sheriff Ronnie Strength's budget got a big boost Tuesday as federal
officials handed him a check for nearly a quarter-million dollars for his
office's role in bringing down drug kingpin Robert "Fat Boy" Snell. The
money, taken from Mr. Snell's forfeited property and drug earnings, can be
used only for law enforcement purposes, such as buying weapons, conducting
training or planning undercover operations.

Sheriff Strength smiled Tuesday as he accepted an oversize check for
$236,575 from Rick Thompson, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of
Georgia. The sheriff said it probably was the largest check he has received
as part of the federal government's equitable-sharing program.

"We're always excited when we get these checks, but we are more excited
when we take these guys off the street," the sheriff said.

Mr. Snell, known as Fat Boy in drug circles because of his size, admitted
making millions in the drug trade when he pleaded guilty last year to
selling large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamines, Ecstasy and marijuana.

Mr. Snell, 46, also agreed to surrender $2.5 million in drug money, two
trucks and a lavish five-bedroom home in Grovetown. In March, the U.S.
Marshals Service sold the home.

Chief Judge Dudley Bowen Jr. sentenced Mr. Snell to 27 years in prison last
year after he agreed to cooperate with authorities.

Mr. Snell's downfall came at the hands of several agencies, including the
Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI, the
South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division and sheriff's offices in
Richmond and Aiken counties. SLED will receive a check for $22,629 as part
of its share of the forfeited property.