Forfeiture Unit
The District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial District utilizes the Asset Forfeiture laws of the State of Mississippi as part of its mission to fight crime and keep citizens safe. These laws allow law enforcement to obtain the forfeiture of property that is used or related to criminal activity. Mississippi law allows for Asset Forfeiture in a variety of cases. These cases include illegal drug offenses, weapons offenses, illegal gambling, gang activity, drive by shootings, bootlegging and felony DUI offenses.
It disincentives criminal activity by seizing those things that are used to commit crimes or the proceeds gained from the commission of criminal activity. These funds are then used according to State law for valid law enforcement purposes. They can be used to purchase bullet proof vests for officers, for further investigations into criminal activity, for law enforcement training and for community crime fighting. For example, a gun that is used by a criminal in a drive by shooting can be seized and forfeited and then traded in by a law enforcement agency for the purchase of a bullet proof vest. Another example would allow for money that is seized from a drug dealer who has sold drugs in our communities to be seized, forfeited and used by the police for community policing initiatives that are designed to protect all citizens.
Asset forfeiture is a valuable crime fighting tool. The District Attorney’s Office believes in the use of these laws to better our communities. Law Enforcement Offices that are interested in participating in the program should contact the District Attorney’s Office for more information on how to participate.
Below is a list of various Mississippi statutes that authorize Asset Forfeiture proceedings in criminal matters.
Forfeiture Law Vehicles
Forfeiture LEO
Forfeiture Public Health Law
Forfeiture Streetgang Law
Forfeiture Substances Law
Breaking News
HARRIS SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR ITTA BENA MURDER
Greenwood, MS – Jadarius Harris, 23 yoa, of Itta Bena was convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Leflore County Circuit Court following his guilty plea on Monday, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. On July 11, 2020, deputies of the Leflore […]... read more
Chillious Receives a 40 Year Sentence for Sex Crimes Against a Child
Greenville, MS – This week in Circuit Court, Brian Chillious, 45 yoa, pled guilty to a total of forty years with the Mississippi Department of Correction for a series of child sex crimes that took place in Washington County. Chillious […]... read more
Ellison Lafayette Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
Greenville, MS – With a jury pool drawn from across Washington County and ready to hear his case, Ellison Lafayette, 32 yoa, chose to plead guilty to causing the death of William Taylor, 51 yoa. Circuit Judge Richard Smith accepted […]... read more
BERDELL WILLIS, III SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS
Greenville, MS – Berdell Willis, III, 22 yoa, of Greenville, was sentenced following his May 2022 guilty plea to the charge of Second Degree Murder in the November 2017 murder of Darrell Lafayette, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. Two […]... read more
resources

Attorney General

MDOC

Federal Prisoners

Sex Offender Registry

AG Victim Unit