TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Oscar Ortiz, Sheriff-Coroner
REPORT BY: Rollie Soria, Sheriff's Administrative Manager
SUBJECT: Napa Special Investigations Bureau Distribution of Asset Forfeiture Funds
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve a distribution of funds held in the Napa Special Investigations Bureau (NSIB) Asset Forfeiture agency fund to various law enforcement agencies in accordance with NSIB bylaws. (Fiscal Impact: $218,072; Fund 9600 - County Department Agency Funds; Not Budgeted; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
The Napa Special Investigations Bureau (NSIB) is a county-wide, multi-agency Task Force that investigates drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal firearms, and other criminal matters. As part of its mission to disrupt criminal enterprises involved in drug dealing, NSIB also utilizes Asset Forfeiture laws to seize property (primarily cash) associated with criminal activities, often referred to as, "proceeds from drug trafficking". After court filings and procedures, the property is often, but not always, forfeited. Property that is not forfeited is returned to the defendant. Seized property that is adjudicated and forfeited; however, is distributed to NSIB member agencies in accordance with the NSIB Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
According to California Asset Forfeiture laws, funds that have been forfeited are held in a trust account until distribution is approved by the Napa Special Investigations Bureau Governing Board. Today's requested action approves the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 distribution of Asset Forfeiture funds to various law enforcement agencies for future equipment purchases. The NSIB Governing Board approved the request for the distribution of funds at the April 25, 2024, NSIB Governing Board meeting.
Section 11489 of the Health and Safety Code defines the distribution process in cases where property seized and forfeited to the State of California or a local governmental entity. In the County of Napa, when a subject is booked o...
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