Vice Laws Simply Reward the Vicious

by Will

Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

October 29, 2011

?Civil asset forfeiture? is the practice of seizing money and other property from people suspected of criminal behavior. In practice, it is undisguised theft. As the Detroit News reported a couple of years ago: "Local law enforcement agencies are raising millions of dollars by seizing private property suspected in crimes, but often without charges being filed -- and sometimes even when authorities admit no offense was committed."

Between 2003 and 2007, Romulus, Michigan witnessed a 118 percent increase in forfeiture revenues despite the fact that there has not been a corresponding increase in criminal activity. Well, make that unofficial criminal activity.

On September 27, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced the arrest and indictment of former Romulus Police Chief Michael St. Andre, his wife, and five detectives, all of whom were accused of using forfeiture proceeds for their personal benefit.  [St. Andre was accused of using forfeiture money to buy a tanning salon for his wife.] Some of the money was allegedly used to procure the services of prostitutes. Some $40,000 was reportedly spent on alcohol and marijuana.

Prohibition doesn?t end or discourage vice; it simply enriches vicious criminals on both sides of the law.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.

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