State v. Six Hundred Seventy Six Dollars $ 676 U.S. Currency Seized from Branch

JiBROWN, Judge.

On November 19, 1996, defendant, DeSh-awn Branch, was arrested for possession of cocaine. Four ounces of crack cocaine, a gun, scales, and $676 in cash were discovered during a search of Branch’s person. In a statement to the arresting officer, Branch admitted that the money came from the sale of drugs. Branch was subsequently convicted of possession of cocaine (over 28 grams but less than 200 grams). On December 17, 1996, the state filed a notice of pending forfeiture regarding the $676, and Branch filed a claim to the property on December 20, 1996. On April 4, 1997, the state…