Virginia lawmaker targets police asset seizures

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Blasting a “fundamentally un-American” seizure of assets from citizens, a state lawmaker wants to rein in police powers in Virginia.

“Current Virginia law allows for seizure of personal property without a criminal conviction. My legislation would require criminal conviction before property could be taken,” state Delegate Mark Cole told Watchdog.org.

Police and prosecutors “see the current seizure laws as an effective way to take the profit out of crime,” the Fredericksburg Republican noted.

“It is not unusual for someone running a criminal operation to title his assets, which have been purchased with the proceeds of his criminal activities, in someone else’s name, who is not involved in the criminal activity, to try to hide and shield assets,” Cole added.

“(Authorities) are concerned that my legislation would put those assets beyond their reach.”

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