Auditor Galloway releases compilation of Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act seizure reports
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway on Tuesday released a compilation report which shows law enforcement seized an estimated $6.3 million worth of property in 2016.
Under the Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act, law enforcement officials may take possession of property or cash believed to be involved in or related to a crime.
Current state law requires prosecutors and the attorney general to file information with the State Auditor’s Office about the reported seizures each year.
The data in the auditor’s compilation report shows that 615 seizures were made in 2016, an increase from 2015’s 585 seizures. The estimated value of the property increased as well, from $6 million to $6.3 million.
Of the $6.3 million, roughly eight percent was returned, or $482,142. $2,745,658 was transferred to a federal agency, and $97,067 was transferred to the state. Currently, the status of 41 percent, or $2,588,046, is still pending.
Phelps County accounted for the largest dollar amount in seizures, recording $1,541,058, followed by St. Charles with $989,652.
However, the largest number of seizures made came from St. Louis County with 97, followed by St. Louis City with 78. Jackson also recorded 75 seizures in 2016.
Phelps County only accounted for 12 of the 615 seizures, while St. Charles recorded 26.
The full compilation report is available online here.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.