The Drug War Corrupts

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Looks like a Muncie, Indiana prosecutor had a pretty sweet side arrangement going with the local multi-jurisdictional drug task force:

McKinney and the drug task force used confidential settlement agreements, without court orders, to disperse hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and property for the task force’s use.

[...]

In one case in which more than $50,000 was seized, records show that McKinney received $4,193 in attorney fees as well as 25 percent of vehicles and other personal property that was auctioned.

The money is supposed to go to a state general fund, where it’s then redistributed–a system that at least diminishes the perverse incentives in jurisdictions where the police department that makes the bust gets to keep all or a percentage of the forfeiture. McKinney and the task force tried to fashion a work-around that law–one that enabled both parties to get paid.

A judge has ordered McKinney to give back the $18,000+ he’s made thus far under the arrangement. He may also face criminal charges.

Thanks to my dad for sending the link.