‘Play for pay?’

Dear editor:

No one has ever accused me of being a scholar, gentleman or even learned person. But even some things mystify this simple taxpayer, such as exposed in the May 27 article by David Showers (excellent reporting).

The article dealt with the seized and subsequently forfeited items, some of which last month were auctioned off to benefit the 18th Judicial District East Drug Task Force, selling for over $34,000.

What I found totally incredulous and unbelievable were Deputy Prosecutor Trent Daniels’ statements that the forfeitures played no part in plea negotiations with defendants.

“It would be unethical to take a civil case into account with a criminal case. They’re two separate cases,” Daniels had the audacity to say.

So in the case of Leray Davis, who was facing “simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm,” as well as first degree battery, the agreement was to give up a 2009 Chevy Malibu, 2007 Infiniti, 1997 Regal Cabin Cruiser boat and $1,027 in cash. Also he received reduced charges and his girlfriend wouldn’t go to jail?

In another case, numerous felony charges were reduced to misdemeanors after $10,742 in cash and a 2008 Toyota Prius were surrendered as part of the plea agreement.

In an outstanding piece of reporting, Showers cited several other examples, including $26,383 in cash seized at a scene, which was forfeited “as per the consent agreement (which means the plea agreement).”

Now, I wouldn’t have a problem with any of this, other than the fact that taxpayers in this county are constantly being asked for more money to fund law enforcement, but the fact of the article exposes that people facing serious, legitimate felony charges are getting “play for pay” agreements that allow them to either serve no or reduced jail time in exchange for giving property or assets to the task force, which is already adequately funded via our tax dollars.

And, Mr. Daniels, Garland County taxpayers are not as dumb as you think we are. Don’t insult us by telling us these plea deals had nothing to do with the asset forfeitures. Anthony Lloyd Hot Springs