Dirty Money: Asset Seizures and Forfeitures

Sheriff Under Scrutiny over Drug Money Spending()  

Sgt. Chris Sears and a river patrol boat.

June 18, 2008 Sheriff Bill Smith — once considered one of the most successful sheriffs in the nation at confiscating drug money off the highways — is now the subject of a federal grand jury investigation into whether he misused the forfeiture funds.

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Deputy Has Midas Touch in Asset Seizures()  

Ingram and his son, Jesse.

June 17, 2008 Chief Deputy Eddie Ingram's skill at sniffing out drug money has led to millions of dollars in drug asset seizures over the past 15 years. The departments he has worked for are allowed to pocket up to 80 percent of his hauls.

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Seized Drug Assets Pad Police Budgets()  

Cpl. Mark Frost of the Kingsville Police Department

June 16, 2008 Justice Department data show that the amount of drug-related assets confiscated since 2004 has tripled, from $567 million to $1.6 billion. Critics claim some law enforcement agencies have become "addicted to drug money" in their quest to fill their own coffers.

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Cash Seizures by Police Prompt Court Fights()  

June 16, 2008 Law enforcement officials can confiscate money without ever charging anyone with a crime, as long as they can prove it's tied to illegal activity. But sometimes they take money even when they can't connect it to a crime.

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A Primer on Dirty Money()  

June 15, 2008 The ins and outs of the drug asset forfeiture process.

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