Unite States v. Croom v. Real Property at 17925 Holmes Ave., Cerritos, California

19 F.3d 1441 NOTICE: Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3 provides that dispositions other than opinions or orders designated for publication are not precedential and should not be cited except when relevant under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, or collateral estoppel. UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Larry L. CROOM, Claimant-Appellee, v. REAL PROPERTY AT 17925 HOLMES AVENUE, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA, Defendant. No. 92-55574. United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Argued and Submitted Oct. 7, 1993. Decided March 16, 1994. Before: REINHARDT, T.G. NELSON, Circuit Judges, and KAUFMAN, * District Judge. MEMORANDUM ** FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY The Government's complaint for forfeiture of the property in Cerritos, California, alleged that the property was purchased on February 12, 1991, by Larry Croom (Croom). The property was alleged to be a proceed or to have been purchased with the proceeds of exchanges of controlled substances. Prior to trial, the Government's trial strategy changed to proving Croom bought the property in December, 1988, using Orlando Gripper as a strawman. The Government did not amend its complaint to reflect this contention. This theory…