SHERIFF'S OFFICE SEIZES MAN'S CAR, CASH FOR TAXES OWED STATE

JACKSON - A Garysburg man's car and cash were seized Tuesday because he
owes the state more than $5,000 in drug tax money.

Agent Leon Martin of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office stopped
48-year-old Marvin Cornell High while on routine patrol and knew he owed
the state money.

High was charged and convicted with possession of crack cocaine almost two
years ago.

Due to the amount of drugs he possessed, he was taxed several thousand
dollars, Martin said. With penalties and interest, he owes the state more
than $5,000.

Martin seized High's 1989 Lincoln and $243 in cash. The car may be sold at
a state auction and the cash will be turned over to the state Department of
Revenue.

Martin said the sheriff's office plans to continue to pursue convicted
felons who don't pay drug taxes.

"It doesn't stop with vehicles and money you may have in your wallet," he
said. "High owns a half acre of land ... in Gaston, which is subject to
seizure. High was given fair warning that his property would be next."