U.S. Attorney’s Office Pulled In $17 Million

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Idaho collected a record $17.1 million in the budget year that ended Oct. 1, including more than $1.5 million in assets forfeited in criminal cases.

The office’s operating budget last year was $4.1 million.

“This is a remarkable payback for the taxpayer,” U.S. Attorney Betty Richardson said Monday. “We have recovered over four dollars for every dollar invested in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

Criminal and civil debt recoveries totaled $15.6 million.

The criminal fines, assessments and bond forfeitures collected are deposited into the Crime Victim Fund, which is distributed to all 50 states through grants to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through crisis lines, counseling and shelters.

Last year Idaho received over $700,000 in grants distributed to about 20 organizations providing services to crime victims, as well as restitution paid to victims.