BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) - Southern Illinois prosecutors are trying out a new weapon in their war on the area's heroin trade: They're going after an alleged dealer's property even before he's convicted. The St. Clair County State's Attorney's office is seeking the forfeiture of a Belleville home, a Cadillac and cash from Cody Seats, who faces six drug-related charges. State law allows prosecutors to seek forfeiture of his property even if he's not convicted of criminal charges. Prosecutors say the items were used in drug-dealing or were bought with its proceeds. State's Attorney Brendan Kelly said this is the first time his office has sought property from a suspect since authorities kicked off an initiative against heroin earlier this year. Seats' attorney, Michael Rousseau, tells the Belleville News-Democrat that Seats bought his $20,000 house and Cadillac with an inheritance. - http://goo.gl/Lo7yN
