The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia reported collecting over $4.3 million in criminal and civil actions during fiscal year 2025, according to a statement released by United States Attorney Moore Capito. The total amount includes approximately $2.4 million from criminal cases and about $1.9 million from civil matters.
In addition to these collections, the office worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice components to secure an extra $2.3 million in joint cases. Of that amount, just over $3,000 was collected through criminal actions and more than $2.3 million through civil actions.
“Public money is not a personal piggy bank, and crime has real victims. Whether it’s fraud, violence, or exploitation, we will use every civil and criminal tool available to hold offenders accountable,” Capito said. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer dollars, make victims whole, and ensure justice is done. I am incredibly proud of the tireless work of our attorneys and professional staff who fight every day to deliver those results.”
Significant cases contributing to this year’s collections include restitution payments made by Mark William Bailey of Beckley after he pleaded guilty to theft of government funds related to COVID-19 relief loans under the CARES Act guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.
Other notable civil collections involved Horne LLP from Mississippi paying over $1.2 million following allegations it received improper payments connected with disaster recovery grants for services provided in West Virginia in 2017 and 2018. Thompson Construction Group Inc., based in South Carolina, paid more than $191,000 after being accused of submitting false claims regarding federal disaster recovery grant funds following severe flooding in June 2016.
In another case, Luther A. Hanson from Charleston paid nearly $147,000 in restitution plus a fine after pleading guilty to willfully failing to pay employment taxes for his accounting business employees.
Jointly pursued civil actions included a settlement involving Wal-Mart Stores East LP where the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Southern District secured over $415,000 stemming from an employment discrimination lawsuit.
The office also noted that its responsibilities extend beyond collecting debts owed directly to the U.S., including securing restitution for federal crime victims as required by law when financial losses or injuries occur due to certain offenses.
Additionally, asset forfeiture efforts resulted in more than $1.2 million being collected during FY 2025. These funds are used both for victim compensation and law enforcement activities via the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.
A copy of this announcement can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
