| The Spencer County Prosecutor's Office with approval of the County Commissioners
set up an ordinance in 2000 establishing the Spencer County Law Enforcement
Fund which is used to pay for law enforcement expenses and equipment. One
major item placed in that fund is monies and assets seized in drug cases
which is believed to be connected to drug use, manufacturing or dealing.
Once the monies (or property) are seized, the Spencer County Prosecutor's
Office files a petition with the Court to have those funds (or property)
forfeited to law enforcement. Approximately $30,000.00 has been seized and
subjected to forfeiture actions.
In 2001 $9,672.04 was seized in drug arrests. The monies seized, once
ordered forfeited by the Court, have been used to purchase law enforcement
equipment, especially equipment used against illegal drug activity. For
example, monies from drug forfeitures have been used to pay for the "Operation
Fight Back" anonymous tip line. Also in 2001 the monies were used
for officer overtime pay when officers are called out to special projects
such as drug sting and drug raid operations. One recent drug raid was
used to help bring down an alleged drug operation that was working in
Illinois, Evansville, and Grandview which resulted in federal and state
charges and several individuals arrested.
The Asset Forfeiture Program is designed to take resources away from
drug users, manufactures, and dealers and use those resources against
them. In other words, it is a way to "Make Crime Pay."
| Contacts : |
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Spencer County Prosecutor's Office |
812-649-6038 |
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