In 12 Okla. Counties, Millions Seized From Property Owners
In Oklahoma, law enforcement agencies across 12 counties took $6 million in cash over a five-year span.
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.
Over a five-year span, there were 319 cash seizures in the 12 counties the ACLU of Oklahoma examined records for. Charges were filed in 205 of the cases. The group could not find charges related to the remaining 114 seizures.
In only one county, Seminole, criminal charges were filed in each forfeiture case.
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Source: In 12 Okla. Counties, Millions Seized From Property Owners
