02/28/2017
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released a compilation of property seizures made under Missouri's Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act (CAFA) in 2016. The report shows law enforcement officials 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. State law requires prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general to file information about reported seizures each year with the State Auditor's Office.
Law enforcement officials seized an estimated $6.3 million worth of property from 615 seizures in 2016, up from $6 million and 585 seizures in 2015. Approximately 44% of the total was transferred to federal agencies. The remainder was either transferred to the state (2%), returned (8%), or is still pending a final decision (41%). Approximately 5% of reported seizures did not include the disposition of the seized property.
Additional information is available in the compilation report, which is available online here.
This report covers forfeitures under Missouri's Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act. A report on activities under federal forfeiture laws will be released later this year.
