Report shows $1 million more seized in property last year than in 2020

Missouri law enforcement agencies seized almost $1 million more in property in 2021 than in 2020.

That’s according to a story in today’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The figures were compiled by the office of Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway.

The Auditor’s report showed that officers seized approximately $5.3 million worth of property in 2021.

In 2020, that figure was $4.2 million. Both years saw just over 500 seizures.

Under the the Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act, law enforcement officials may take possession of property or cash believed to be involved in or related to a crime.

Missouri law requires prosecuting attorneys and the Attorney General to file information about those seizures each year with Galloway’s office.

The Post story says a 2019 investigation by St. Louis Public Radio through the Pulitzer Center found most highway seizures of cash do not lead to criminal charges but law enforcement still keeps the money anyway.

For more information, see the State Auditor’s report.