The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma announced significant collections in fiscal year 2024, totaling over $4 million from civil and criminal actions, along with nearly $2 million in forfeited assets. U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson detailed that $2,572,450.48 was collected from criminal actions and $1,457,354.45 from civil actions.
In addition to these amounts, the office collaborated with partner agencies to collect $1,726,442 through asset forfeiture actions. Johnson emphasized the efforts of the Asset Recovery Unit and Asset Forfeiture teams: "In 2024, they collected more than $4 million on behalf of victims and collected nearly $2 million in assets," he stated. "This funding not only impacts the Crime Victims Fund but also goes towards law enforcement programs."
Several notable cases were highlighted as examples of successful asset recovery efforts:
- In March 2024, a sum of $106,994.94 was recovered in the case against Shane Hannaford (21-CR-111), who had defrauded fellow veterans through a fraudulent investment scheme.
- In September 2024, the district recovered $287,521.53 in restitution from Keven Ellis Partin (19-CR-121), who pled guilty to offering or paying healthcare kickbacks.
- In May 2024, full restitution of $62,000 was recovered for victims in the case against Leslie Ellen Mansfield (23-CR-170), an attorney guilty of bank fraud involving special needs trust accounts.
Asset forfeiture examples included:
- The recovery of $35,000 in March 2024 related to Jesus Salazar-Lares (22-CR-339) following his guilty plea for methamphetamine distribution.
- The seizure of approximately $84,788.42 from Melvin Brown's bank account (22-CR-419) after his involvement in cocaine distribution.
- A substantial recovery totaling $620,000 from Jose Romero (22-CR-339) involved money laundering linked to drug trafficking activities.
The U.S. Attorneys' Offices are tasked with enforcing and collecting debts owed to the U.S., including restitution for federal crime victims suffering physical injury or financial loss. Criminal fines support the Crime Victims Fund aiding victim compensation programs at federal and state levels.
Forfeited assets contribute to restoring funds to crime victims and supporting various law enforcement purposes through deposits into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.