Texas Pilot Cleared in Drug Case to Get Plane Back

By: The Associated Press Email

Posted: Wed 3:07 PM, Jun 06, 2012

DALLAS - A Dallas-area charter pilot acquitted of federal drug charges in Georgia has won a court battle to get back his $300,000 plane.

The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday that Donald Fontana of Carrollton expects the return of his 1982 Cessna by next week.

The twin-engine plane was seized in August 2009 after a tip led to the discovery of about 380 pounds of cocaine in passenger suitcases.

Fontana, two passengers and another man were indicted on drug possession charges alleging cocaine was smuggled to Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field.

Fontana, who said he did not know the bags contained drugs, was acquitted in 2010.The three co-defendants pleaded guilty.

A civil jury in Georgia on Monday decided the plane should be returned to Fontana.

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Texas Pilot Cleared in Drug Case to Get Plane Back

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