The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois announced that it collected more than $8.1 million in criminal and civil actions during Fiscal Year 2025. The total amount includes $3,937,603 from criminal cases and $4,188,354.34 from civil matters.
In addition to these collections, the office collaborated with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice components to secure an extra $367,003.26 in jointly pursued cases. Of this sum, $267,714.26 came from criminal actions and $87,289 was collected through civil actions.
“Collecting restitution and other debts is a vital component of the Department of Justice’s mission,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Thanks to efforts by Assistant U.S. Attorneys, the Financial Litigation Unit and the asset recovery team in southern Illinois, we have prioritized collections on debts owed to crime victims and the U.S.”
The largest civil settlement finalized by the Southern District of Illinois in FY 25 involved recovering $3.5 million from Denali Group, Inc., an Alaskan-based transportation company accused of violating the False Claims Act.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are responsible for enforcing and collecting both civil and criminal debts owed to the United States as well as restitution owed to federal crime victims who have suffered physical injury or financial loss due to certain federal crimes. Restitution payments go directly to victims while fines and felony assessments are paid into the Department’s Crime Victims Fund for distribution to federal and state victim compensation programs.
The office also reported collecting $520,888 through asset forfeiture actions in FY 25 in cooperation with partner agencies and divisions. Funds obtained through asset forfeiture are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund where they are used to restore money to crime victims or support law enforcement activities.
