Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has reported that the Eastern District of Louisiana collected a total of $879,562,972.18 in civil and criminal actions during Fiscal Year 2024. The collection included $10,272,777.37 from criminal actions and $869,292,194.81 from civil actions.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are tasked with enforcing and collecting 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 is directed to the victim, fines and felony assessments contribute to the department’s Crime Victims Fund for victim compensation and assistance programs.
In addition to these collections, the Monetary Penalties and Recovery Unit (MPRU) or U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO), in collaboration with partner agencies, forfeited $2,070,396.92 in assets and seized 133 firearms related to criminal activities in FY 2024. These forfeited assets go into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund for victim restitution and law enforcement purposes.
Significant efforts by the MPRU include recovering $868,965,517 from BP Exploration & Production Inc., linked to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill; collecting approximately $3.7 million in restitution from hospice owner Shiva Akula; retrieving around $1.2 million using provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act against Robert Calloway; securing about $1.5 million in penalties for an environmental crimes case involving Prive Overseas Marine and Prive Shipping; seizing cash and assets including a vehicle from Wayne Handy; and forfeiting proceeds from Michelle Andre's distribution of misbranded contraceptives.
“These statistics demonstrate our continued commitment and dedication to crime victims and to the citizens of the Eastern District of Louisiana through the aggressive collection of civil judgments and criminal fines and restitution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson.
Simpson also expressed gratitude towards Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra Giavotella, Financial Litigation Assistant United States Attorney Churita Hansell, along with support professionals Jerrilyn A. Dufauchard, Laquana Bates, Christina Garcia, Danielle Smith-Graham, Megan Snow, David Vigier, and Monica Washington for their contributions.
