Local News in Brief : U.S. Goofs in Seizing Former Drug Houses
Federal authorities said they seized two northeast San Fernando Valley houses, formerly used by a drug ring, without knowing that the houses apparently were sold to unsuspecting buyers before the seizures took effect.
The homes were seized Tuesday. The next day, however, officials were reassuring the new owners that they won’t lose the properties if the purchases are legitimate.
“They won’t lose a penny,” said William Cullen, a special assistant U.S. attorney handling the seizures of 11649 Fenton Ave. in Lake View Terrace and 11236 Adelphia Ave. in Pacoima.
Cullen could not explain why the title transfers went undiscovered by FBI officials, who got a warrant Jan. 30 to seize the two properties. One of the bewildered purchasers had already refurbished the house.
The houses were seized under federal forfeiture laws because they were used in the sale of cocaine, authorities said.
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