BENSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
303 EAST CHURCH STREET
BENSON, NC 27504
TELEPHONE 919-894-3616 FAX 919-207-1993
- - -PRESS RELEASE- - -
August 3, 2005
On September 24, 2004, officers of the Benson Police Department initiated a vehicle stop on North Wall Street for Careless and Reckless Driving. They contacted the driver, a Gabriel Valdovinos (H/M), and during the course of the vehicle stop, obtained consent to search the vehicle, a 1996 Ford Aerostar van. During this search, a large quantity of powder cocaine was found, in addition to $34,944. Valdovinos was arrested on various drug charges, and the currency and vehicle were seized for possible forfeiture.
On February 16, 2005, the Aerostar van was ordered forfeited in Johnston County Superior Court, and ownership was transferred to the Benson Police Department.
On March 14, 2005, the $34,944 was officially forfeited by Valdovinos to the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Marshal's Service. On today's date, the Benson Police Department received a check for $20,921.29, for our share of the forfeited currency.
Chief Kenneth Edwards said, "We have not made a firm decision as to exactly how we're going to use these funds, but we know that it will go towards some type of equipment for the department. It took several months for us to receive our share, but it was well worth the wait."
Chief Edwards would also like to recognize the officers involved in the initial vehicle stop; Sgt. Billy Brown and the late Ptl. Ronnie McLamb. Additionally, the Chief stated, "I greatly appreciate the assistance provided by the NC SBI, the DEA, and the Marshal's Service. The paperwork and legalities involved with Federal seizures are sometimes complex, and the assistance these agencies provided was invaluable."
For any additional information regarding this matter, please contact Chief Kenneth Edwards at 919-894-3616.