Feds Agree To Return $1.1 Million In Pot Proceeds Seized By San Bernardino County Deputies
“Empyreal has always viewed ourselves as a partner to financial institutions and law enforcement”
The U.S. Department of Justice said Wednesday it will return $1.1 million in licensed cannabis proceeds to a Pennsylvania armored car company whose vehicles were targeted by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies during a pair of roadside seizures last year.
As a result of the settlement, Empyreal Logistics has agreed to drop its federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration alleging the confiscation of cash from its vehicles on Nov. 16 and Dec. 9 were illegal.
“Empyreal was operating legally under California law, but with current federal civil forfeiture laws, even compliant businesses can be targeted,” said Dan Alban, a senior attorney for the Virginia-based Institute for Justice, which represents Empyreal. “Civil forfeiture enabled law enforcement to seize over a million dollars in legal business proceeds and threaten to keep it. Returning this money is the right thing to do and we’re pleased to have helped Empyreal secure this outcome.”
Deirdra O’Gorman, chief executive officer of Empyreal, said she was pleased the company had reached an agreement with the government.
“Empyreal has always viewed ourselves as a partner to financial institutions and law enforcement,” she said. “Our service increases transparency and makes communities safer. Empyreal is committed to continuing our mission of working with financial institutions and their state-legal business customers.”
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