US Attorney Durkan Reports to the Community on Law Enforcement Priorities

U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan today issued her 2012 Annual Report on the activities and priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.

“Every person in our office is honored to serve the people of this region.  We work hard to advance the safety of our nation, the security of our communities and the rights of victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Durkan. "In 2012, we made significant progress in many of our priority areas: terrorism, violent crime, cybercrime and protecting vulnerable communities from both financial crime and physical exploitation.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also focused on stripping criminals of their profits, returning monies to taxpayers and victims.  In 2012, the office recovered more than $40 million to compensate the victims of crime and to support the federal treasury and law enforcement activities.   The office has discharged its mission in a manner that is fiscally responsible and adds value to the federal treasury. In 2012, the office saw significant collections of restitution for the victims of convicted predator Weldon Marc Gilbert, and we forfeited to the U.S. Treasury the proceeds of crime, including more than $5 million from an illegal internet gambling business.

The diverse Western District of Washington presents many challenges.  Western Washington has urban areas and vast open lands, National Parks and National Forests.  It is home to the largest military base west of the Rockies (Joint Base Lewis-McChord).  The district shares a water and land border with Canada and has two of the ten busiest sea ports in the United States.

“Part of our work is to reach out to all communities and residents as we work to build a safe and secure America.  I want to express my thanks to all who help keep Western Washington a safe and welcoming place to live, work and raise our children.  My colleagues and I look forward to continuing to meet these challenges in 2013,” said U.S. Attorney Durkan.

You can read the full report by following this link.