Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio reported collections totaling more than $134 million from civil and criminal actions during fiscal year 2025. The announcement was made by United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
Of the total amount collected, $18.2 million came directly from cases handled by the district office, split between $9.6 million in criminal actions and $8.5 million in civil actions. Joint efforts with other Department of Justice components led to an additional $115.7 million collected, most of which stemmed from civil cases.
Asset forfeiture efforts added another $14.5 million in funds for FY2025. According to the Department of Justice, these funds are used both to compensate crime victims and support law enforcement initiatives.
“These amounts represent the dedication of the men and women in our office who come to work each day on a mission to make sure that justice is served and victims of crime are made whole,” said U.S. Attorney Toepfer. “We are grateful to our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who work with us to hold both individuals and organizations accountable for breaking federal laws.”
Federal law requires that restitution be paid directly to victims who have suffered physical injury or financial loss as a result of certain crimes. Criminal fines and felony assessments are deposited into DOJ’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which then supports compensation programs at both federal and state levels.
Several notable cases contributed significantly to this year’s totals:
- In U.S. v. Lima Refining Co., a settlement was reached over Clean Air Act violations at an Allen County oil refinery, resulting in a $19 million penalty payment and commitments for substantial emissions-reducing upgrades.
- Cosmax USA resolved allegations related to false Paycheck Protection Program claims by agreeing to pay $6 million; half went as restitution to the Small Business Association.
- Fresh Mark, Inc., following an identity theft scheme involving its former hiring manager, entered into a non-prosecution agreement with a penalty payment of nearly $3.7 million directed toward the Crime Victims Fund.
- The USAO secured over $767,000 for the SBA in foreclosure proceedings against Michael’s, Inc., a hospitality company.
- The City of Youngstown paid a penalty of nearly $740,000 after failing requirements under a Clean Water Act Consent Decree; those funds will support EPA activities.
- In U.S. v. Mark Brant, the defendant received an 18-month sentence for maintaining drug-involved premises and paid a $500,000 fine now deposited into the Crime Victims Fund.
- Over $360,000 in restitution was recovered from Paul Spivak et al., convicted in a securities fraud case that cost investors more than $6 million.
Noteworthy asset forfeiture cases included:
- In May 2025, authorities forfeited over 8 million Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency linked to an investment scam affecting victims nationwide; efforts are underway to return assets to all identified victims.
- Edward Oluwasanmi and Joseph Oloyede pleaded guilty in connection with COVID-related loan fraud schemes; they were ordered to pay more than $5.6 million in restitution along with forfeiting significant assets including cash and properties.
- Alexandre Haussmann lost his claim on nearly $775,000 seized during an Ohio Turnpike stop after he refused questions about its origin; judgment awarded these funds to the government.
U.S Attorneys’ Offices across the country work alongside DOJ divisions not only collecting debts owed but also ensuring that restitution reaches affected victims through established compensation channels.
