Prosecutors in Indiana return $42,000 after lawsuit over cash seizure
- Henry and Minh Cheng sued Indiana prosecutors after $42,000 was seized from their FedEx package.
- The Chengs claimed this seizure violated their constitutional rights without any proof of wrongdoing.
- The return of their cash highlights ongoing issues with Indiana's civil asset forfeiture practices.
In Indiana, a class action lawsuit was filed by Henry and Minh Cheng against the Marion County Prosecutor's Office for civil asset forfeiture. The Chengs, who own a California jewelry wholesaler, had $42,000 seized from a FedEx hub as part of a law enforcement operation that allegedly targeted packages suspected of being linked to criminal activity. The prosecutors filed a lawsuit seeking to forfeit the Chengs' money, claiming it was connected to a legal infraction without offering evidence or notifying the owners of any specific crime. Civil asset forfeiture laws allow authorities to seize property without conviction or formal charges, leading to accusations that the practice is being misused in Indianapolis, with millions in cash taken from various parcels. Despite the return of the Chengs' money, concerns remain about the broader implications of civil asset forfeiture on constitutional rights, including protection against unreasonable searches and the right to due process. The Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm, described the Chengs' situation as just one example of an ongoing issue affecting many innocent individuals whose property is seized under questionable circumstances. They vow to continue litigation to challenge these practices and uphold civil liberties in Indiana.