The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Kentucky has announced that it collected over $104 million during Fiscal Year 2024. This total includes $9,239,721.20 in criminal restitution, $95,604,774.97 from civil actions, and $2,441,761 through asset forfeiture.
Additionally, the office collaborated with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an extra $23,133,763.62 on joint matters.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett emphasized the teamwork within both Criminal and Civil Divisions: “Due to extraordinary teamwork in our district in both our Criminal and Civil Divisions, last year federal crime victims received more than $9 million in compensation for their financial losses, and federal agencies recouped more than $95 million in fraudulently-obtained funds and delinquent civil debt.” He expressed pride in his office's dedication to recovering funds from those who commit fraud or evade federal obligations.
In the past year, significant recoveries were made for victims of crimes such as crop insurance fraud, employee-related theft, and health care fraud.
Of the over $95 million collected through civil actions, a substantial portion was recovered under the False Claims Act. This law allows the United States to reclaim up to three times the amount of money obtained fraudulently from government programs. Additionally, the district secured $2.5 million for federal agencies involved in state and federal foreclosures.
The responsibility for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts lies with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with litigating divisions within the Department of Justice. These efforts ensure that defendants fulfill obligations like paying restitution to victims who have experienced physical injury or financial loss due to certain federal crimes.
While restitution is directed towards victims, criminal fines contribute to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund which supports victim compensation and assistance programs at both federal and state levels.