United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky collected over $40 million in fiscal year 2024 through various enforcement efforts. This includes more than $20 million each for crime victims and taxpayers and civil settlements.
"Our enforcement of the law includes pursuing restitution for victims of crime, recovering illegally obtained funds, and protecting taxpayer dollars from fraud, waste, and abuse," said United States Attorney Shier. He praised his team for their commitment to these goals.
The Financial Litigation Program collected $14,299,361.43 in civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal restitution debts owed to federal crime victims. Criminal fines contribute to the Department of Justice’s Crime Victims Fund, which supports victim compensation programs.
Asset forfeitures resulted in securing $4,161,490 for federal law enforcement efforts while sharing $1,508,364 with state and local agencies. Additionally, $472,830 was restored to crime victims through these actions.
The Civil Division protected government interests by collecting $1,382,137.49 on behalf of taxpayers in cases involving property liens.
The Affirmative Civil Enforcement program achieved civil settlements valued at $20,078,263.98 through enforcing the False Claims Act and addressing violations of other federal laws such as the Controlled Substances Act and Americans with Disabilities Act.