NCJ Number
167596
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 65 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1996) Pages: 22-26
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The use of the Federal forfeiture statutes to address drug trafficking in a residential hotel in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan in New York City demonstrates the potential use of these laws in drug law enforcement.
Abstract
A family named Hutton (pseudonym) purchased the building in 1976. The Huttons were experienced landlords. Drug dealers began appearing in the building in the mid- 1980's. The New York City Police Department began making large numbers of drug arrests in the hotel and determined that arrests, seizures, or other drug-related activities had occurred in one-third of the building's rooms by 1992. The Manhattan prosecutor's office informed the owners of each drug arrest and asked them to evict the tenants involved. The owners took no action. Police also met with the Huttons and provided suggestions to reduce the level of drug sales. However, the Huttons did nothing to improve the situation. The drug sales in the hotel continued. Investigators finally decided that seizure of the building was the only way to end drug dealing in the hotel. The Huttons challenged the seizure. However, the jury decided that the Huttons should forfeit the building permanently. This case demonstrates that police and prosecutors should consider using Federal forfeiture laws against owners who permit criminal activity on their property when local and State laws prove inadequate. Reference notes