Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee announced that the Western District of Virginia collected $11,714,277 in criminal and civil actions during Fiscal Year 2024. Of this total, $3,267,062 was gathered from criminal actions and $8,447,214 from civil actions.
In collaboration with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice, an additional $19,802,736 was collected in jointly pursued cases. This amount included $19,545,011 from civil actions.
“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,” stated Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee. “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.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are tasked with enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S., as well as criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. Defendants are required by law to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered physical injury or financial loss. While restitution goes directly to victims, criminal fines and felony assessments contribute to the department’s Crime Victims Fund for distribution among federal and state victim compensation programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia reported collecting $54,015,848 in asset forfeiture actions during FY 2024. The assets forfeited are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund for restoration to crime victims and various law enforcement purposes.
