The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming announced it collected $1,859,147.53 in criminal and civil actions during fiscal year 2025. The majority of these funds, totaling $1,722,362.25, came from criminal actions, while $136,785.28 was collected through civil actions.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are tasked with enforcing and collecting debts owed to the United States and victims of federal crimes. Restitution payments go directly to crime victims who have experienced injury or financial loss as a result of certain federal offenses. Criminal fines and felony assessments are paid into the Crime Victims Fund, which helps support both federal and state victim compensation and assistance programs.
Collection efforts in Wyoming are managed by the Financial Litigation Program (FLP) and Asset Forfeiture Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assets forfeited through these programs are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund to restore funds to crime victims or for 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.”
The Civil and Criminal Divisions collaborate on recovery efforts for crime victims in cases such as that involving Shu Ping Chen (Case No. 1:25‑cr‑00102‑ABJ). In October 2025, Chen was convicted for filing a false tax return under 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1). The court ordered Chen to pay a $100 special assessment, $359,696 in restitution, a $75,000 fine, and $35,000 for prosecution costs; all amounts were recovered either before or immediately after sentencing due to coordinated efforts between divisions.
