Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_04-cv-05317/USCOURTS-caed-1_04-cv-05317-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 625
Nature of Suit: Drug Related Seizure of Property
Cause of Action: 21:881 Forfeiture Property-Drugs

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McGREGOR W. SCOTT

United States Attorney

KRISTI C. KAPETAN

Assistant U.S. Attorney

3654 Federal Building

1130 O Street

Fresno, California 93721

Telephone: (559) 498-7440

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE 

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

Plaintiff,

v.

REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN

FRESNO COUNTY, COMMONLY

KNOWN AS 3145 WEST FLORADORA

AVENUE, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA;

APN: 449-090-64; Including

Appurtenances and Improvements Thereto;

and

SUB RES IN THE AMOUNT OF

$66,692.63 IN LIEU OF REAL

PROPERTY LOCATED IN FRESNO

COUNTY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS

4127 WEST HARVARD AVENUE,

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA; APN: 312-555-

10; 

Defendants.

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CIV-F-04-5317 OWW LJO

FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORFEITURE

Pursuant to the Stipulation for Final Judgment of Forfeiture filed herein, the Court finds: 

1. This is a civil forfeiture action against real property located at 3145 West Floradora

Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 449-090-64 together with all appurtenances and improvements

thereto, more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and a sub res in the amount of

$66,692.63 in lieu of the real property located at 4127 West Harvard Avenue, Fresno, California,

Case 1:04-cv-05317-OWW -LJO Document 44 Filed 05/19/05 Page 1 of 8
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1 At the time of filing the original complaint, the Harvard property was in escrow. 

Escrow was allowed to close with the proceeds to be held by the United States Marshal until the

final judgment in this action.

APN: 312-555-10.1 (hereinafter referred to as the "defendant properties").

2. A Complaint for Forfeiture In Rem was filed on February 18, 2004, seeking the

forfeiture of the defendant properties, alleging that said properties are subject to forfeiture to the

United States of America pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 881(a)(7). An Amended Complaint for

Forfeiture In Rem was filed on March 26, 2004, seeking the forfeiture of the defendant

properties, alleging that said properties are subject to forfeiture to the United States of America

pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 881(a)(7). The Amended Complaint did not seek the forfeiture of the

real property located at 2588 South Sierra Vista Avenue, Fresno, California. 

3. On or about March 10, 2004, the defendant sub res in the amount of $66,692.63 in lieu

of the real property located at 4127 West Harvard Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 312-555-10

was seized pursuant to a seizure warrant issued March 9, 2004. On or about April 14, 2004, the

defendant real property located at 3145 West Floradora Avenue was posted with a copy of the

complaint and notice of complaint. 

4. On April 30, 2004, a Notice of Complaint For Forfeiture of defendant real and

personal property appeared by publication in The Business Journal, a newspaper of general

circulation in the county in which defendant real property is located and the defendant sub res

was seized (Fresno County).

5. In addition to the Public Notice of Posting and Arrest having been completed, actual

notice was acknowledged by the following:

a. Dominic Ducas

b. Abram Ducas

c. Kathleen Ducas

d. Brandy Manzanedo

e. American Contractors Indemnity Company

6. Dominic Ducas, Abram Ducas, Kathleen Ducas and Brandy Manzanedo have filed

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claims and answers. 

7. No other parties have filed claims or answers in this matter and the time for which any

person or entity may file a claim and answer has expired.

Based on the above findings, and the Court being otherwise fully advised in the premises,

it is hereby 

ORDERED AND ADJUDGED:

8. The Court adopts the Stipulation for Final Judgment of Forfeiture entered into by and

between the parties to this action.

9. Claimants Dominic Ducas, Abram Ducas, Kathleen Ducas and Brandy Manzanedo

(hereinafter "claimants") agree to pay to the United States the sum of $105,692.63 within sixty

(60) days from the date of entry of the Final Judgment of Forfeiture herein. Claimants agree that

the government shall forfeit the $66,692.63 in lieu of the real property located at 4127 West

Harvard Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 312-555-10 and that claimants shall pay the

government $39,000.00 in lieu of the real property located at 3145 West Floradora Avenue,

Fresno, California, APN: 449-090-64 within sixty (60) days from the date of entry of the Final

Judgment of Forfeiture herein for a total payment of $105,692.63. Claimants shall send a

cashiers check made payable to the U.S. Marshals Service in the amount of $39,000.00 to the

U.S. Attorney's Office, Attention: Asset Forfeiture Unit, 501 I Street, Suite 10-100, Sacramento,

California 95814. Said $105,692.63 shall be substituted as the res herein, and shall be forfeited

to the United States pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 881(a)(7), to be disposed of according to law. Upon

payment of the sub res, the United States agrees to forego any further action against the real

property located at 3145 West Floradora Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 449-090-64 based on

the facts alleged in the Complaint.

10. In the event the payment of $39,000.00 is not made within sixty (60) days from the

date of entry of the Final Judgment of Forfeiture, as provided in paragraph 9 above, the parties

agree as follows:

a. On or after the 60th day from the date of entry of the Final Judgment of

Forfeiture, all right, title, and interest in the defendant real property located at 3145 West

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Floradora Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 449-090-64, shall be forfeited to the United States,

pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 881(a)(7) to be disposed of according to law.

b. The U.S. Marshals Service shall list the defendant real property for sale with a

licensed real estate broker or by any other commercially reasonable means. The U.S. Marshals

Service shall have sole authority to handle the marketing and sale of the defendant real property.

c. The U.S. Marshals Service shall have the real property appraised by a licensed

appraiser of its choosing. The U.S. Marshals Service and the appraiser may have access to the

defendant real property and structures, buildings, or storage sheds thereon upon 24 hours

telephonic notice.

d. If necessary, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the real estate broker or designee

of the U.S. Marshals Service, shall have the right to put a "lock box" on the property to facilitate

the marketing and sale of the property.

e. The following costs and expenses shall be paid in escrow from the gross sales

price in the following priority and to the extent funds are available:

(1) The costs incurred by the U.S. Marshals Service to the date of

close of escrow, including the cost of posting, advertising, and

maintenance.

(2) To American Contractors Indemnity Company, any and all

amounts owed pursuant to the deed of trust dated December 9,

2003, and recorded on January 6, 2004 as instrument number

2004003479 and the deed of trust dated December 9, 2003, and

recorded on January 6, 2004 as instrument number 2004003480.

(3) Any unpaid real property taxes, which shall be prorated as of the

date of entry of the Final Judgment of Forfeiture.

(4) A real estate commission not to exceed the U.S. Marshals Service

contractual brokerage fee.

(5) The seller shall pay any county transfer taxes.

(6) To the United States of America, the sum of $39,000.00. This sum

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shall be substituted as the res in this forfeiture action, and shall be

forfeited to the United States, to be disposed of according to law.

(7) To claimants Dominic Ducas, Kathleen Ducas and Abram Ducas

through their attorney Brenda Grantland at 20 Sunnyside Suite A204, Mill Valley, California 94941, all amounts remaining after the

above disbursements.

f. Any liens or encumbrances against defendant real property that appear on

 record subsequent to recording of plaintiff's Lis Pendens on February 18, 2004, and prior to

entry of the Final Judgment of Forfeiture herein may be paid out of escrow. The full amount paid

under this provision shall be deducted from the amount to be paid out of escrow to claimants

Dominic Ducas, Kathleen Ducas and Abram Ducas pursuant to ¶ 10(e)(7), above. 

g. The costs of a lender's policy of title insurance (ALTA policy) shall be paid for

by the buyer.

h. All loan fees, "points" and other costs of obtaining financing shall be paid for

by the buyer of the defendant property.

i. Each party to this stipulation shall execute all documents necessary to close

escrow, if such signatures are required by the title insurer. 

11. Upon payment of the $39,000.00 sub res, the United States shall send a Withdrawal

of Lis Pendens for the defendant real property located at 3145 West Floradora Avenue, Fresno,

California, APN: 449-090-64 to the Fresno County Recorder for recording.

12. All parties to this stipulation hereby release plaintiff United States of America and its

servants, agents, and employees and all other public entities, their servants, agents, and

employees, from any and all liability arising out of or in any way connected with the

posting/seizure, forfeiture, or sale, of defendant properties. This is a full and final release

applying to all unknown and unanticipated injuries, and/or damages arising out of said

posting/seizure, forfeiture, or sale, as well as to those now known or disclosed. The parties to

this stipulation waive the provisions of California Civil Code §1542.

13. Claimants Dominic Ducas, Kathleen Ducas, Abram Ducas and Brandy Manzanedo

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shall maintain the defendant real property in the same condition and repair as existed as of the

date of the posting, normal wear and tear excepted, until they have paid the $39,000.00 payment,

or until they have vacated the premises. The term "maintain" shall include, but is not limited to,

keeping the property free of hazard and structural defects; keeping all heating, air conditioning,

plumbing, electrical, gas, oil, or other power facilities in good working condition and repair;

keeping the property clean and performing such necessary sanitation and waste removal; keeping

the property in good condition by providing for lawn and yard maintenance; and other ordinary

and necessary items of routine maintenance.

14. Until they have paid the $39,000.00 payment, claimants Dominic Ducas, Kathleen

Ducas, Abram Ducas and Brandy Manzanedo shall maintain any and all loan payments and

insurance policies currently in effect with respect to the property, including policies covering

liability to persons injured on said property and for property damage to the defendant real

property. Claimants Dominic Ducas, Kathleen Ducas, Abram Ducas and Brandy Manzanedo

shall arrange for the inclusion of a rider to all of the above-mentioned policies naming the U.S.

Marshals Service as the secondary beneficiary of the insurance policy. 

15. Until they have paid the $39,000.00, claimants Dominic Ducas, Kathleen Ducas,

Abram Ducas and Brandy Manzanedo shall allow the U.S. Marshals Service personnel, or its

agent, the right to enter and inspect the property and all buildings thereon on a monthly basis

upon 24 hours telephonic notice.

16. Until claimants have paid the $39,000.00 in full, claimants Dominic Ducas, Kathleen

Ducas, Abram Ducas and Brandy Manzanedo shall not convey, transfer, encumber, lien, or

otherwise pledge defendant real property without the prior, written approval of the United States.

17. Claimants Dominic Ducas, Kathleen Ducas, Abram Ducas and Brandy Manzanedo

shall vacate defendant real property within thirty (30) days of their receipt of notice that the

defendant real property has been placed on the market. Claimants further shall remove all of

their personal possessions, and the personal possessions of any former occupant, including all

vehicles, furniture, and trash, and to leave the property clean and in the same state of repair as the

property was on the date it was posted. Any and all of claimants' personal possessions, and the

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personal possessions of any former occupant, not removed within thirty (30) days of their receipt

of notice that the defendant real property has been placed on the market will be disposed of by

the United States without further notice. Neither the Claimants nor any occupant shall remove

any fixtures from the property. The failure to comply with this paragraph may result in sanctions,

including contempt of court. 

18. There was reasonable cause for the posting of defendant real property located at 3145

West Floradora Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 449-090-64 and arrest of the $66,692.63 in

lieu of the real property located at 4127 West Harvard Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 312-

555-10, and the Court may enter a Certificate of Reasonable Cause pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2465.

19. All parties are to bear their own costs and attorneys' fees.

SO ORDERED THIS __9TH__ day of ___May_______, 2005.

/s/ OLIVER W. WANGER

______________________________

OLIVER W. WANGER

United States District Judge

CERTIFICATE OF REASONABLE CAUSE

Based upon the allegations set forth in the Complaint for Forfeiture In Rem and the

Stipulation for Final Judgment of Forfeiture filed herein, the Court enters this Certificate of

Reasonable Cause pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2465, that there was reasonable cause for the posting

of defendant real property located at 4127 West Harvard Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 312-

555-10 and arrest of the $66,692.63 in lieu of the real property located at 4127 West Harvard

Avenue, Fresno, California, APN: 312-555-10.

DATED___May 9, 2005__ /s/ OLIVER W. WANGER____________

OLIVER W. WANGER

United States District Judge

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Exhibit A

Property Description

(Real Property located at 3145 West Floradora Avenue, Fresno, California,)

Parcel 2 and the East 11.00 feet of Parcel 1 of parcel Map No. 2018, in the County

of Fresno, State of California, according to the map thereof recorded in Book 13,

Page 14, of Parcel Maps, Fresno County Records. EXCEPTING THEREFROM a

portion of said Parcel 2 described as follows: BEGINNING at the Northwest

corner of said Parcel 2; Thence South 89°37;25: East along the North line of said

Parcel 2, a distance of 145.00 feet to the Northwest corner or Parcel 1 of said

Parcel Map No. 2018; Then South 00°37'22" East along the West line of said

parcel 1, a distance of 101.00 feet to the Southwest corner of said Parcel 1; The

South 89°37'25" East along the South line of said parcel 1, a distance of 106.00

feet to the intersection with a line that is parallel with and 11.00 feet West of the

East line of said Parcel 1; Then South 00°37'22" West along the prolongation of

the last mentioned line in a distance of 43.30 feet; Thence North 89°33'19" West a

distance of 250.59 feet to a point on the West line of said Parcel 2 that is 144.00

feet South of the Northwest corner of said Parcel 2; Thence North 00°27'32" East

along the West line of said Parcel 2, a distance of 144.00 feet to the point of

beginning.

APN: 449-090-64

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