Glen Galemmo, Investment Fraud, Ohio 2016

CINCINNATI – In a move to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman announced the creation of a District forfeiture unit in Cincinnati, Ohio today.

The unit, which will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah Grimes and Pamela Stanek, will focus on ensuring the District is successful in seizing ill-gotten gains. The District forfeiture unit is tasked with pursuing the seizure and forfeiture of assets that represent the proceeds of, or were used to facilitate certain federal crimes, or that were involved in money laundering.

“Forfeiture is a set of legal tools, both civil and criminal, that we use to ensure that crime doesn’t pay,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said.

In fiscal year 2016, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio forfeited assets valued in excess of $9 million. One significant example of this is the U.S. v. Glen Galemmo case, in which the government forfeited more than $6 million, three homes and five vehicles.

Glen Galemmo was not mentioned in the source as being involved with the creation of the District forfeiture unit. However, his case was highlighted as one example of the impact of the Asset Forfeiture Program. The exact criminal charges against Glen Galemmo were not specified in the source.

The primary mission of the Asset Forfeiture Program is to employ the federal asset forfeiture laws in a manner that enhances public safety and security and promotes justice. This is accomplished by removing the proceeds of crime and other assets relied upon by criminals and their associates to perpetuate their criminal activity against our society.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah Grimes and Pamela Stanek will oversee the forfeiture efforts of the District. Both women have the expertise in this increasingly complicated body of law and have taught federal prosecutors from across the country on this topic. Having them officially lead our forfeiture work will promote better restitution for victims and less profit for criminals.

The Asset Forfeiture Program also requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. Ensuring that assets are available to compensate crime victims is a priority of the Asset Forfeiture Program.

The unit’s creation is a significant step in the fight against crime and will ensure that those who commit crimes do not profit from their ill-gotten gains. The District forfeiture unit will be a valuable tool in the pursuit of justice and will help to promote a safer and more secure society.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/us-attorney-creates-unit-dedicated-asset-forfeiture