More than $3 million in forfeited assets have been distributed to over 50 law enforcement agencies and federal partners in the Southern District of Georgia, according to an announcement by Margaret E. Heap, United States Attorney for the district. The funds were shared as part of the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Program for the 2025 fiscal year.
“The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in coordination with the FBI, DEA, IRS, USPIS, and our local and state law enforcement partners, worked diligently to locate and forfeit these assets,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “These ill-gotten gains included cash, money in bank accounts, and real estate, and were connected to a wide variety of criminal activity, including domestic and international drug trafficking, illegal pill mills, money laundering, and wildlife trafficking. Once taken from the hands of criminals, these funds will now be used to enhance South Georgia law enforcement departments and investigations.”
Among the agencies receiving proceeds are sheriff’s offices from Appling County to Ware County; police departments such as Savannah Police Department; and several state-level organizations like the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, emphasized that asset forfeiture plays a role in supporting law enforcement efforts: “Asset forfeiture ensures that criminals do not profit from their crimes, while directly strengthening the law enforcement agencies that protect our communities,” Brown stated. “Through close collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners, the FBI is committed to dismantling criminal enterprises and reinvesting seized assets into the tools, training, and resources needed to keep South Georgia safe.”
The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program allows for seizure and redistribution of assets gained through or used in federal crimes. Under this program—administered under 28 U.S.C. § 524(c)(1) via the Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund—federal authorities can share proceeds with cooperating state or local agencies through equitable sharing agreements. This process is designed to supplement existing agency budgets rather than replace them.
For more information or questions about this disbursement or program procedures, individuals may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
