Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee announced that the Western District of Virginia collected $11,714,277 in civil and criminal actions during Fiscal Year 2024. Of this total, $3,267,062 was obtained from criminal actions while $8,447,214 came from civil actions.
The Western District of Virginia collaborated with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to gather an additional $19,802,736 in jointly pursued cases. Out of this sum, $19,545,011 was collected through civil actions.
“As these numbers demonstrate, the United States Attorney’s Office will use every tool to ensure that those who violate federal law do not profit from their actions,” stated Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee. “My office is committed to seeking justice, both civilly and criminally, in order to protect the interests of the United States and its citizens throughout the Western District of Virginia.”
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the department's litigating divisions are tasked with enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S., as well as criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. Defendants are required by law to pay restitution to victims who have suffered physical injury or financial loss due to certain federal crimes. While restitution goes directly to victims, criminal fines and felony assessments contribute to the department’s Crime Victims Fund which supports federal and state victim compensation programs.
Moreover, in FY 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia worked with partner agencies and divisions to collect $54,015,848 in asset forfeiture actions. Assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are utilized for restoring funds to crime victims and various law enforcement purposes.