News

Robeson County returns to asset forfeiture program despite ongoing concerns

It’s been more than a decade since 22 people with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office were ousted because of rampant corruption. The state and federal investigation operation “Tarnished Badge” led to multiple criminal convictions, including perjury, kidnapping, drug trafficking, money laundering, armed robbery, and pirating satellite television signals. The investigation took several years, and investigators...

Brooke Conrad
News

Federal asset forfeiture limits would affect N.C. more than other states

The U.S. House of Representatives just took a knife to funding for the federal civil asset forfeiture program — a move that could help protect innocent North Carolinians and their property. Lawmakers on Tuesday passed an amendment — part of a larger appropriations bill — that puts a clamp on U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ plan...

Kari Travis
Opinion

Administration should consider public opinion on expansion of civil forfeiture

Under federal civil asset forfeiture, local and state law enforcement officers can take your property, including cash, if they suspect said property was somehow connected to a crime. You may be charged with a crime, or you may not. It doesn’t matter, because, as it’s technically a civil action, law officials will still take your...

News

U.S. steps up use of civil asset forfeiture, which is illegal in N.C.

It soon will be easier for the feds to take your property, even if you’re not convicted of a crime. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Wednesday that federal law officials will expand civil asset forfeiture, meaning they can more easily take your property without pressing criminal charges or following state laws. Civil asset forfeiture laws are the best way to fight drug crimes, Sessions said in a new...

Kari Travis
Podcast

Civil asset forfeiture can threaten property rights

From Carolina Journal Radio Program No. 738: Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement agencies to take property from people suspected of illegal activity, even if they never face criminal charges. The process is open to abuse. Darpana Sheth, senior attorney with the Institute for Justice, explains why civil asset forfeiture can create problems. Sheth also...

Help Support Non-profit Journalism & Donate Today

News

Attorney: Feds abusing asset forfeiture to harass business owner

The federal government committed a “massive violation of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments” by seizing nearly $5 million, 40 vehicles, and four properties of a Greensboro small business owner while also breaching laws and federal policies controlling civil asset forfeiture cases, then hiding court actions it filed against Roderick Jessup, court documents claim. Jessup, owner...

Dan Way
View more