The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming reported collecting nearly $1.9 million in civil and criminal actions during fiscal year 2025. Of the total amount collected, approximately $1.72 million came from criminal actions, while around $137,000 was recovered through civil actions.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are responsible for enforcing and collecting debts owed to the United States as well as restitution payments to federal crime victims. The law requires that defendants pay restitution to victims who have experienced physical injury or financial loss due to certain federal crimes. While restitution is directed to victims, other criminal fines and felony assessments are paid into the Crime Victims Fund, which then distributes money to victim compensation and assistance programs at both federal and state levels.
Collection efforts in Wyoming are carried out by the Financial Litigation Program (FLP) and Asset Forfeiture Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assets seized through forfeiture are placed into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund, which supports restoration of funds to crime victims and various law enforcement purposes.
“This component of the USAO is an essential part of the justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. “The FLP’s responsibility in collecting restitution under criminal judgments ensures timely payments to victims of crimes, including federal and state agencies. The FLP is also responsible for assuring timely payments are collected to satisfy civil judgments. I am extremely proud of the work our FLP has done in recovering nearly $2 million from criminal and civil actions last year.”
Both Civil and Criminal Divisions work together on these efforts. In October 2025, a joint effort led by the FLP and Criminal Division resulted in collecting almost $470,000 from Defendant Shu Ping Chen after a conviction for filing a false tax return under 26 U.S.C § 7206(1). The recovery included full payment of a special assessment, restitution, fine, and prosecution costs before or shortly after sentencing.
