This case arises out of a judgment against Ronald Salmon in a civil forfeiture proceeding. Salmon appeals from the denial of his motion for new trial. We do not agree with Salmon that the evidence was insufficient to support the judgment of forfeiture. We do agree, however, that the record does not reveal whether the trial court considered the mandatory guidelines of Thorp v. State of Ga.,
1. Salmon first contends that the evidence was insufficient to support the forfeiture of the subject property, $5,652 in United States currency. He asserts that the State failed to show that the money “fell into one of the six categories of property declared to be contraband under OCGA § 16-13-49 (d).” He further argues that no evidence showed that the money was intended to facilitate a violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act or that it was “proceeds derived or realized from” such a violation.
The State introduced evidence that Salmon was searched when he returned to his home while the police were executing a search warrant on the premises. The police found approximately 200 diazepam or Valium tablets, a hydrocodone tablet, and several other medications in tablet form concealed in Salmon’s boot. Police also found a small quantity of marijuana, rolling papers, a straw, a partially consumed marijuana cigarette, and $5,652 in currency in his pants pocket. A drug detection dog alerted on the van Salmon arrived in, and a search revealed approximately a quarter-pound of marijuana and a set of scales. Salmon agreed to talk to the police. He stated that he had obtained a substantial quantity of methamphetamine from an individual who was manufacturing the drug and that he intended to sell the diazepam to this person.
Salmon contends the currency found in his pocket was part of the proceeds of a personal injury litigation settlement he had received a few days earlier. Although he did not testify, he tendered into evidence the check and settlement agreement. But “the trial court, as the trier of fact, judged the credibility of the witnesses. Its findings of fact will not be set aside unless clearly erroneous. Since the clearly erroneous test is the same as the any evidence rule, we
2. Salmon also contends that forfeiture of the cash seized amounted to an excessive fine within the meaning of the Eighth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. The Supreme Court of Georgia, in Thorp, supra, adopted a three-part test “as the minimal inquiry that must be made in analyzing a claim under the excessive fines provision of the Eighth Amendment. [Cit.]” Mitchell v. State of Ga.,
Although both Salmon and the State raised this issue below, the record does not reveal that the trial court considered Thorp,
Judgment vacated and case remanded with direction.
Notes
The State of Georgia has failed to file a brief on appeal.
