In 12 Oklahoma Counties, Millions Seized From Property Owners Who Were Never Charged With Crimes

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Heritage Foundation:

In Oklahoma, law enforcement agencies across 12 counties took $6 million in cash over a five-year span.

 

Less than half of the money came from property owners who were charged with a crime.

 

The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma analyzed records regarding cash seizures that took place in a dozen counties along Interstate 40, which bisects the state. According to the ACLU of Oklahoma’s findings, law enforcement agencies seized $6 million in cash from property owners through civil asset forfeiture from 2009 to 2014. Of the money seized, just $2 million came from property owners who were charged with a crime.

 

The ACLU of Oklahoma’s findings come as the state prepares to debate reforms to its civil asset forfeiture laws. Civil asset forfeiture is a tool that gives law enforcement the power to seize property and cash if they’re suspected of being connected to a crime.