The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois reported collections totaling $5,236,030.66 from criminal and civil actions during Fiscal Year 2025. According to Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore, $4,016,049.76 came from criminal cases and $1,219,980.90 was collected in civil matters.
In addition to these amounts, the office collaborated with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice components to secure an extra $391,543.94 in jointly pursued cases—$22,712.78 from criminal actions and $368,831.16 from civil actions.
“Our office is unwavering in the fight to protect individuals and the government from financial crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore. “We will continue to diligently prosecute offenders, collect debts, and seek restitution for victims harmed by life altering financial losses.”
Asset forfeiture efforts brought in another $9,326,268 during the fiscal year. Funds deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used both to restore money to crime victims and support law enforcement operations.
Specific recoveries included $1,620,641.18 toward a judgment against Aaron J. Rossi in February after his conviction for mail fraud and submitting a false tax return; Rossi had been ordered to pay over $3 million in fines and restitution following his July 2024 sentencing.
Another case cited involved Lori Zeitler: In March, authorities recovered $308,163.71 toward her outstanding judgment after she pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud; she was sentenced to pay a special assessment as well as restitution totaling $600,000.
The office explained that U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are tasked with enforcing collection of both civil and criminal debts owed to the United States or federal crime victims under federal law requirements for victim restitution payments in qualifying cases involving physical injury or financial loss.
While funds paid as restitution go directly to victims affected by federal crimes, any collected criminal fines or felony assessments are directed into the Crime Victims Fund—which then distributes resources to federal and state programs assisting crime victims.
