Randall Levine to WZZM 13: Property used to commit a federal crime can be subject to forfeiture
In an interview with WZZM 13 about a former orthodontist forfeiting his yacht to the government, Markou Montague Levine Defense Criminal Defense Attorney Randall Levine explained how property used to commit a federal crime can be subject to forfeiture.
“Forfeiture is a powerful tool,” Levine told WZZM 13. “When the government has an opportunity to utilize this tool, it's one of the tools in its toolbox, they do it.”
A federal judge has finalized a forfeiture tied to the yacht where former West Michigan orthodontist Thomas Shannon continued exploiting children while out on bond. He was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison in February.
Prosecutors say he exploited at least 18 children ages 12 to17 online between 2019 and 2024. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he targeted another child while awaiting trial on state charges, using his yacht in Ottawa County.
The federal government is now the owner of this 52-foot yacht after seizing it from Shannon.
“Years ago, our legislature passed forfeiture laws in criminal cases to try to punish offenders beyond traditional incarceration with a seizure of assets,” said Levine.
In this particular case, Levine explained: “The government alleged that there was federal criminal activity committed on a yacht, which was owned by the defendant and therefore under the forfeiture statute, it would be subject to the government taking it.”
Watch the full interview, here.
