Virginia

United States Attorney’s Office in Western Virginia reports over $11 million collected in criminal and civil cases

Abingdon, Virginia – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia announced that it collected $11,714,277 in criminal and civil actions during Fiscal Year 2024. Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee emphasized the office’s commitment to justice and financial accountability, ensuring that those who violate federal laws do not benefit from their actions.

Breakdown of Funds Collected

Of the total amount collected:

  • $3,267,062 was obtained through criminal actions
  • $8,447,214 was collected through civil actions

In addition to these recoveries, the Western District of Virginia collaborated with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice, resulting in an additional $19,802,736 collected from jointly pursued cases. The majority of this amount, $19,545,011, came from civil actions.

Statement from Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee

Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee reaffirmed the importance of enforcing financial penalties against those who break federal laws:

“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. 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.”

Enforcing Financial Accountability for Crime Victims

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, alongside the Department of Justice, plays a critical role in enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. government and crime victims. Under federal law, defendants convicted of certain crimes must pay restitution to their victims, particularly in cases involving physical injury or financial loss.

While criminal fines and felony assessments are directed to the Crime Victims Fund, which supports federal and state victim compensation and assistance programs, restitution is paid directly to the victims.

Asset Forfeiture Efforts Recover Over $54 Million

Beyond criminal and civil collections, the Western District of Virginia also secured $54,015,848 through asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. These forfeited assets were deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund, which is used to compensate crime victims and support law enforcement operations.

Commitment to Justice and Financial Recovery

Through criminal fines, civil recoveries, restitution enforcement, and asset forfeiture actions, the Western District of Virginia continues to uphold its mission of securing justice and financial accountability. The funds recovered serve a vital role in compensating victims, deterring illegal activity, and supporting law enforcement efforts across the region.

Donald Wolfe

Donald’s writings have appeared in HuffPost, Washington Examiner, The Saturday Evening Post, and The Virginian-Pilot, among other publications. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia. He is the Virginian Tribune's Publisher.

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