redell County, NC — In one of the most inspiring moves we’ve seen in a long time, a judge has ordered the Town of Mooresville and its police department to give back money they seized under civil asset forfeiture. But that is not all. Iredell District Court Judge Christine Underwood has issued an ultimatum to the would-be thieves — give back the cash or go to jail.
According to the case, on Nov. 16, 2020, the Mooresville Police Department was called out to a hotel where they searched an unoccupied rental car and seized small amount of marijuana as well as approximately $17,000 belonging to a Connecticut man, Jermaine Sanders, whose daughter resides in Iredell County.
Sanders then hired an attorney who put the department on notice on Nov. 19 that they were challenging the legality of seizure. One day before the hearing to get back the funds, the department sent the money to the federal government under the authority of civil asset forfeiture.
Sanders’ attorney, Ashley Cannon told FOX 46 the timing of this was purposeful to make it harder for Sanders to get back his money.
Read More: Brave Judge Rules Cops Must Return Cash Seized Under Civil Asset Forfeiture—Or Go to Jail
