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Criminal Division

The Criminal Division is responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions in the Southern District of Ohio. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) supervise criminal investigations and prosecute crimes in diverse areas including terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, white collar crime, financial institution fraud, organized crime, public corruption, child pornography, computer crimes, bank robbery, civil rights, health care fraud, environmental crime, firearm offenses and gun violence.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force ("OCDETF")

The OCDETF handles the investigation and prosecution of high level drug trafficking organizations operating within the United States, importing drugs into the country, and laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking. The task forces, consisting of AUSAs from all three offices in the district, along with agents from DEA, FBI, ICE, IRS, ATF and deputized local law enforcement officers, use electronic surveillance, confidential sources, and undercover operations to attack major traffickers. The district, through its asset forfeiture program, aggressively tracks, seizes, and forfeits the proceeds of this illegal activity.

Asset Forfeiture

Our Asset Forfeiture unit investigates and prosecutes both civil and criminal cases that involve the possible forfeiture of real property, currency, vehicles and other items of value that were used in, or are the proceeds of criminal activity. Forfeiture AUSAs and support staff handle all civil forfeiture matters and work in conjunction with Criminal Division AUSAs on criminal forfeiture cases. The unit also works to enhance cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies through the equitable sharing of assets recovered through forfeiture.

Updated November 29, 2017