Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has allocated more than $1 million from seized criminal assets to support community crime prevention initiatives in 2023, marking the second-highest annual reinvestment during her tenure since 2017.

Key Points:

The assets, confiscated from drug traffickers, human traffickers, street racers, and money launderers, are being redirected to disrupt the cycle of crime for profit.

The HCDAO's Asset Forfeiture Division handled around 1,200 cases in 2023, securing judgments totaling over $4.8 million for law enforcement and crime prevention.

Approximately 70% of seized funds directly benefit law enforcement agencies, with the District Attorney's Office receiving the remaining 30%.

In 2023, the District Attorney's Office contributed $1,043,266 to local crime prevention and victim assistance programs, including the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, TXFNE Center of Forensic Excellence, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto, and the Albert Schweitzer Scholarship Program.

Impact on Communities:

The funds support various programs, such as a "high-risk team" for domestic violence victims, a fourfold increase in forensic interviewers to aid adult victims of sexual assault, and initiatives helping women reintegrate into society after incarceration.

Recipient Organizations:

Beneficiaries include American Youthworks, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Chester Street Foundation, Hope for Families Inc., Minaret Foundation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and The Council on Recovery.

“We are sending criminals a strong message that we do not tolerate crime for profit and that we are invested in the long-term health and safety of our communities,” Ogg said.