Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives Conclude Investigation of Cocaine Dealer

September 21, 2007 - Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives are finalizing a case this week against a high level cocaine dealer in Santa Barbara County. The search andarrest warrant, served at the dealer’s home in the Painted Cave area last month, yielded a large quantity of cocaine and cash. The financial investigation that followed the arrest is near completion, and could result in asset seizures of the subject’s vehicles and home.

Detectives first became aware that 52 year old Robert Carlton Lavilette (8-18-55) was involved in Narcotics trafficking in July of 2007. After a month long investigation, detectives obtained a search and arrest warrant for Lavilette and his home located at 2756 Painted Cave Rd. Detectives served the warrant on August 30th and recovered approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine, scales, drug packaging material and other paraphernalia. Additionally, $54,000 in cash was seized from his residence. Lavilette was arrested during the service of the warrant and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail for Possession of Narcotics for Sales. Bail was set at $500,000.

Following the Lavilette’s arrest, detectives began a financial investigation into his assets. California Law allows for the seizure of real property, personal property and other financial holdings if those items were purchased with proceeds from drug sales. Asset

Forfeiture proceedings are separate from the criminal

proceedings. Detectives seized Lavilette’s vehicle, approximately $54,000 in cash from his home as well as over $140,000 from his bank accounts. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed a Lien on Lavilette’s home as part of the asset seizure investigation. California Law dictates how forfeited assets are allocated. A portion of those are designated towards drug awareness and prevention classes such as DARE and programs and classes to divert gang activity.

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