Opinion ID: 392259
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Forfeiture Cases.

Text: 27 First, the Government cites various forfeiture cases, notably Calero-Toledo v. Pearson Yacht Leasing Co., 416 U.S. 663, 94 S.Ct. 2080, 40 L.Ed.2d 452 (1974). That case held that the lessor of a yacht could not complain of the yacht's forfeiture after a lessee had been caught on board with one marijuana cigarette. Pearson affords the Government no support. The yacht in that case was seized pursuant to a statute which provided for the forfeiture of any vessel used to transport controlled substances. Id. at 665-67, 94 S.Ct. at 2082-84. Thus, at the time the yacht was seized, it was being used in contravention of the statute. 28 The relevant statute in the instant context provides for the forfeiture of smuggled goods. Pursuant to that statute, the artworks have been forfeited to the Government subsequent to their being smuggled across the border. At all times of Angel's involvement, however, his artwork was used for legal activity. In order for Pearson to apply to Angel, its holding would have to be extended so that the yacht could be forfeited if used by lessees who subsequent to their disembarkation from the yacht possessed marijuana. The only similarity between Pearson and the position which the Government urges in the instant case is that in each an innocent party must stand helpless while the Government expropriates his property. We decline to extend Pearson to embrace the facts of this case. 29