Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 19, 1992                   TAG: 9203190163
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: VICTORIA RATCLIFF STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

EX-CAR SALESMAN INDICTED IN DRUG SCAM

According to the four-count indictment, Leigh Gifford Hurst, 42, of Christiansburg, used his position at Euro Motors Co. Inc. to help Thomas Mark Sanfacon and Edward Dail launder proceeds they received in 1988 from selling illegal anabolic steroids, a drug favored by athletes.

The indictment said Hurst knowingly would locate or provide expensive Porsche sports cars for Sanfacon and Dail and then use several techniques to help them conceal large quantities of unexplained cash in their purchases.

Hurst either would reduce the price of the vehicle on paper and then accept the difference in currency; greatly exaggerate or falsify the value of a trade-in vehicle to reflect less money changing hands; or obtain a loan for part of the purchase and then personally co-sign the notes so Sanfacon and Dail could obtain the loans, according to the indictment.

Hurst helped Sanfacon buy a 1983 Porsche 911 SC in April 1988 and helped Dail buy a 1985 Porsche 928 S in May 1988, the indictment states.

Hurst also helped Dail structure financial transactions with different banks in an effort to help him conceal large amounts of currency, the indictment states.

According to the indictment, Hurst helped Dail exchange currency for three cashier's checks in amounts less than $10,000 so he could use those checks to pay for the car in an effort to evade IRS reporting requirements. Banks must report currency transactions of $10,000 or more to the IRS under federal law.

Hurst faces up to 80 years in prison and fines of $2 million on the charges.

Sanfacon and Dail were convicted of federal drug charges in the Eastern District of Virginia.