$2 Million Explains Why The Law Goes After Illegal Gambling

Law enforcement officials will tell people that the reason they go after illegal gambling activity is because they are trying to uphold the law. $2 million in forfeiture money in Indiana paints a different picture.

Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and a government attorney will split over $2 million that was seized while investigation former Teamster President John L. Neal. The money was seized as part of an investigation into an illegal gambling ring.

"While more violent and serious crimes are being committed around the country, it is the illegal gambling operations and big drug busts that net law enforcement the most money seized," said observer Franklin Grover, "That is why we are seeing so many gambling related arrests lately."

That may only be the opinion of one man, but it is hard to dispute after looking at the breakdown of money awarded in the Neal case. It seems as though all parties involved in the bust received a piece of the illegal money.

The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will receive thirty five percent of the $2.09 million that was forfeited by Neal. Government Attorney J. Gregory Garrison will receive thirty percent of the money. Anderson police will receive 17.5%, and the other 17.5 percent will be split amongst the Henry and Madison County prosecutors offices.

The money was seized back in 2006 when prosecutors filed a civil lawsuit. In the suit, prosecutors claimed that the money and vehicles that Neal owned, were being used to further the illegal gambling operation. The prosecutors used Indiana's organized crime forfeiture laws to have the money, vehicles, and properties that Neal owned turned over to the state.

April 13, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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