The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana reported significant financial recoveries in Fiscal Year 2024. The office collected a total of $33,855,363 through asset forfeiture and financial litigation debt efforts. Of this sum, $18,840,034.68 was obtained via criminal restitution debts and civil collections, while $15,015,329 came from criminal and civil forfeiture actions.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers stated, "The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting the public and recovering funds for the victims of crime." He expressed pride in collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to ensure victim compensation and hold offenders financially accountable.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, alongside the Department’s litigating divisions, play a crucial role in enforcing and collecting both civil and criminal debts owed to the United States as well as criminal debts owed to crime victims in federal cases. Defendants are mandated by law to pay restitution to victims who have experienced physical injury or financial loss due to certain federal crimes. Restitution payments go directly to victims, whereas criminal fines and felony assessments contribute to the Crime Victims Fund. This fund aids federal and state victim compensation and assistance programs.
Assets seized and deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are allocated for restoring funds to crime victims and supporting various law enforcement activities.
U.S. Attorney Myers acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelese Woods, Chief of the Office’s Civil Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Rota, Chief of the Office’s Asset Recovery Unit, along with support professionals and attorneys for their dedication in upholding justice and aiding crime victims.