The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio reported collections totaling over $134 million from civil and criminal actions during fiscal year 2025. According to U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer, these funds include amounts recovered both directly by the office and in partnership with other components of the Department of Justice.
Of the total collected, $18.2 million came from actions handled solely by the Northern District of Ohio—$9.7 million from criminal cases and $8.6 million from civil cases. Cases pursued jointly with other DOJ divisions brought in an additional $115.8 million, largely from civil settlements.
Asset forfeiture efforts led to another $14.5 million being deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund, which is used to restore money to crime victims and support law enforcement activities.
“These amounts represent the dedication of the men and women in our office who come to work each day on a mission to make sure that justice is served and victims of crime are made whole,” said U.S. Attorney Toepfer. “We are grateful to our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who work with us to hold both individuals and organizations accountable for breaking federal laws.”
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide are responsible for collecting debts owed to the United States as well as restitution for victims of federal crimes resulting in injury or financial loss. Restitution payments go directly to victims, while fines contribute to DOJ’s Crime Victims’ Fund, supporting victim compensation programs at federal and state levels.
Several significant cases contributed to this year’s collections:
– In a Clean Air Act case against Lima Refining Company, a settlement required a $19 million penalty payment and substantial improvements at its Allen County facility.
– Cosmax USA agreed to pay $6 million after allegations related to Paycheck Protection Program fraud; half was allocated as restitution for the Small Business Association.
– Fresh Mark, Inc., resolved identity theft issues involving undocumented workers with a $3.7 million penalty paid into the Crime Victims Fund.
– The office secured nearly $768,000 for the SBA in foreclosure proceedings involving Michael’s, Inc.
– The City of Youngstown paid over $739,000 due to violations under a Clean Water Act consent decree.
– Mark Brant was ordered to pay a $500,000 fine after pleading guilty in a drug premises case; these funds were directed into the Crime Victims Fund.
– More than $360,000 was recovered as restitution for investors defrauded in securities schemes led by Paul Spivak and others.
Asset forfeiture highlights included recovery of over 8 million Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency units from an investment scam affecting 38 victims nationwide; authorities are working on returning assets where possible. Other notable forfeitures involved financial crimes linked to COVID business loan frauds and cash seizures following traffic stops connected with suspected illegal activity.
The full report underscores ongoing efforts by federal prosecutors and partner agencies aimed at recovering losses for both government entities and private citizens impacted by crime.
