LISA MARCHESONI, Senior Writer
Posted: Sunday, January 25, 2009 8:30 am

More than $5,400 believed linked to illegal drugs was confiscated last week from a Murfreesboro businessman and his wife’s bank account by the U.S. government.

The $5,426.76 was seized from a Pinnacle Banking account from Jeremy Chad Smotherman and his wife, Robyn, May 19, 2008 by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Confiscation of the bank account funds was part of a lengthy investigation by the IRS and federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

IRS and DEA agents searched the Warrior Drive homes of the Smothermans and next-door neighbor James Christopher “Chris” Rowland, who is married to Robyn Smotherman’s sister, in September 2007. They also searched Rowland’s business office.

In court documents, IRS agent William Desantis accused Chris Rowland and Chad Smotherman of money laundering through “sham” real estate as part of a $6 million illegal narcotics operation.

Attorneys for both Rowland and Smotherman said their clients are not involved in money laundering or drug trafficking.

No charges have been filed against Rowland and Smotherman but federal authorities said last week the case remains open.

U.S. Attorneys sought the funds from the Pinnacle Bank account March 19, 2008, alleging the funds were to be used in exchange for illegal drugs. The federal government notified the Smothermans by certified mail April 11, 2008 and advertised for people with claims to the cash.

No one filed a claim to the cash.

U.S. District Judge William J. Haynes Jr. signed an order Jan. 9 stating the federal government showed probable cause the funds were intended to be used for illegal drugs or to distribute illegal drugs.

The order allows the IRS to dispose of the money.

Smotherman’s attorney Patrick McNally could not be reached for comment.

A judge ruled last August the U.S. government could keep $22,0550 confiscated from Rowland’s office. Rowland appealed but the judge awarded the money to the U.S. government.

Smotherman is still fighting to keep his seized Toyota Tacoma truck valued at $13,825.

Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com.