The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois reported collections exceeding $100 million in fiscal year 2024 from criminal, civil, and asset forfeiture actions. Acting United States Attorney Morris Pasqual made the announcement.
The collections comprised approximately $23.9 million from criminal actions, $6.4 million from civil actions, and $70.4 million from asset forfeiture actions. The office also collaborated with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice components nationwide to collect an additional $62.2 million in jointly pursued cases.
“Our attorneys and staff place a high priority on recovering funds for the federal treasury and victims of federal crimes,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “Our office will continue to responsibly safeguard taxpayer resources while delivering a valuable return to the citizens of our district.”
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Justice Department’s litigating divisions, are tasked with enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States as well as criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. Federal law mandates that defendants pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have experienced physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is directed to victims, criminal fines and felony assessments contribute to the Department of Justice’s Crime Victims Fund, which allocates money to federal and state victim compensation and assistance programs.