U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Over $1.9 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023

SIOUX FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, has reported the collection of $1,937,264.31 in criminal fines, restitution, loan defaults, bankruptcy, forfeiture, and affirmative civil enforcement efforts in FY 2023. Of the total collections, $1.5 million was derived from criminal cases. A significant portion of this, precisely $1,100,870.12, was returned to victims of crime, underscoring the Office’s commitment to ensuring justice and support for those victimized by crime. The remainder has been deposited into the Crime Victims Fund, a crucial federal resource that provides financial assistance to crime victims across the United States. This fund aids victims in covering various costs such as medical expenses, lost wages, mental health counseling, and funeral expenses.

“Our mission extends beyond the mere prosecution of criminal offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Ramsdell. “It’s about healing wounds and restoring dignity to those wronged through our dedication to facilitating the financial recovery for victims to the fullest extent possible. Seeing the tangible benefits of these collections for the victims is not just satisfying—it’s a profound reminder of the impact our office can have on the lives of victims seeking justice.”

Additionally, the fiscal year saw substantial collections from civil actions related to delinquent government loans, including those related to education, small businesses, agricultural services, and housing. The enforcement of healthcare fraud and False Claims Act litigation also contributed to these achievements. Notably, in a case of wool subsidy fraud, defendant Howard Aleff was mandated to sell Iowa farmland to satisfy a $1.3 million debt. Meanwhile, the discovery of valuable religious artifacts in a storage unit belonging to former priest Marcin Garbacz led to a unique online auction, recovering over $18,000 for the church he victimized.

These results were achieved through the concerted efforts of the entire team at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, from attorneys who secure criminal restitution and civil judgments to the financial litigation unit responsible for enforcing payment. The use of various enforcement mechanisms, including voluntary payment plans, garnishments, and the sale of seized assets, has been instrumental in these achievements.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota remains committed to upholding the principles of justice and integrity, as demonstrated by the FY 2023 collections. These efforts not only highlight the dedication of the office to its prosecutorial and enforcement responsibilities, but also its unwavering support for the victims whose lives are impacted by violent and financial crimes.