SKOWHEGAN — Selectmen this week approved the transfer of $1,500 to the Skowhegan Police Department in a cash forfeiture case initiated by District Attorney’s Office.

By state law, the municipality has to accept forfeiture assets or the money lapses into the state’s general fund. The vote by selectmen to accept the money was unanimous, 5-0.

Police Chief Michael Emmons said the funds will be used for drug enforcement efforts.

He said Detective Kelly Hooper handled the investigation.

The $1,500 is part of more than $4,000 seized by police in a drug raid in January in Skowhegan, according to court documents. Dustin M. Page, of Mount View Terrace, who turns 22 next week, was arrested and charged with trafficking in cocaine, a Class B felony.

Page pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to a four-year suspended sentence in the Department of Corrections.

He also was ordered to serve two years of probation and to forfeit the cash found in his possession.

Court records show the money was furnished or was intended to be furnished by someone in exchange for the cocaine. The incident happened on or about Jan. 5, 2011 in Skowhegan.

The money was awarded on the grounds that the Skowhegan Police Department “did make a substantial contribution to the investigation,” the court document reads.

Doug Harlow — 474-9534

dharlow@centralmaine.com

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