asset forfeiture

Published on: May 19, 2020

Georgia Revenue Department Returns $2.1 Million in Disputed Civil Asset Forfeiture Funds to State Treasury

The Georgia Department of Revenue has reportedly ended its practice of using funds seized in criminal investigations through civil asset forfeiture and returned $2.1 million to the Office of the State Treasurer.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the department made the change after the publication reported that the Revenue Department’s Office of Special Investigations had spent millions of dollars seized in criminal investigations on frivolous purchases, including expensive gym equipment, engraved firearms, clothing, and personal items. By its own accounting, the office spent $2.9 million of this money over the past four years.

Published on: January 21, 2020

Terry Rolin of Pittsburgh, PA, Files Lawsuit Against DEA after Agency Confiscates $82,373 Cash at Airport

by Brian Silber

A Pennsylvania family has filed a lawsuit against the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) after the agency seized $82,373 in cash at Pittsburgh airport because it considers large amounts of cash to be “suspicious.”

The money, which was stored in a Tupperware container, was Terrence Rolin’s life savings. The 79-year-old retired railroad engineer was worried about keeping so much cash on hand, so he asked his daughter, Rebecca Brown, to open a joint bank account and deposit the money.

Published on: January 7, 2020

Missouri Police Used Federal Loophole to Seize $2.6 Million from Drivers Never Charged with Crimes

by Brian Silber

A new investigative report by the St. Louis Public Radio has revealed that Missouri police used civil asset forfeiture to seize at least $2.6 million during traffic stops along Interstate 70 in 2018.

Civil asset forfeiture is a law that allows authorities to seize property—cars, electronics, cash, etc.—that is believed to be connected to a crime.

Published on: October 1, 2019

Three Fresno Cops Accused of Stealing Over $225,000 Can’t Be Sued, Court Rules

by Brian Silber

The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that three Fresno police officers accused of stealing more than $225,000 while executing a search warrant are entitled to “qualified immunity” and therefore can’t be sued.

The judges panel acknowledged that the officers should have recognized the alleged theft was morally wrong, but it concluded that they didn’t violate the Fourth Amendment.

Published on: November 5, 2018

California Court Seizes $16.5 Million Held in Backpage.com Offshore Account

by Brian Silber

The U.S. government is attempting to seize $16.5 million in bank funds belonging to the operators of the now-shuttered Backpage.com. These funds are held in an offshore bank account, sources say.

The seven defendants named in the complaint are Michael Lacey, 69, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; James Larkin, 68, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; Scott Spear, 67, of Scottsdale, Arizona; John “Jed” Brunst, 66, of Phoenix, Arizona; Daniel Hyer, 49, of Dallas, Texas; Andrew Padilla, 45, and Joye Vaught, 37, of Addison, Texas.