The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming reported collections totaling $1,859,147.53 from criminal and civil actions during fiscal year 2025. Of this amount, $1,722,362.25 came from criminal cases and $136,785.28 was recovered through civil actions.
The office is responsible for enforcing and collecting debts owed to the United States as well as restitution owed to victims of federal crimes. Defendants convicted of certain federal offenses are required by law to pay restitution if their actions resulted in physical injury or financial loss to victims. While restitution payments go directly to victims, other criminal fines and assessments are directed into the Crime Victims Fund, which supports victim compensation and assistance programs at both the federal and state levels.
Asset collection efforts in Wyoming are carried out by the Financial Litigation Program (FLP) and Asset Forfeiture Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assets that are forfeited are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund, where they can be used to compensate crime victims or support law enforcement activities.
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith commented on these efforts: “This component of the USAO is an essential part of the justice system,” said Smith. “The FLP’s responsibility in collecting restitution under criminal judgments ensures timely payments to victims of crimes, including federal and state agencies. The FLP is also responsible for assuring timely payments are collected to satisfy civil judgments. I am extremely proud of the work our FLP has done in recovering nearly $2 million from criminal and civil actions last year.”
The Civil and Criminal Divisions collaborate on recovery efforts for crime victims. In October 2025, these divisions worked together on a case involving Shu Ping Chen (Case No. 1:25‑cr‑00102‑ABJ), who was convicted for filing a false tax return under 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1). Chen was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100, restitution totaling $359,696, a fine of $75,000, and prosecution costs amounting to $35,000. The office reported that all restitution was recovered before sentencing while fines and costs were collected immediately afterward.
