Randall Levine Talks to WZZM 13 About Federal Forfeiture After Former Orthodontist Loses Yacht
Markou | Montague | Levine Defense's Randall S. Levine spoke with WZZM 13 about how federal forfeiture works after a federal judge finalized the forfeiture of a 52-foot yacht owned by former West Michigan orthodontist Thomas Shannon.
Criminal Defense Attorney Randall Levine, Markou | Montague | Levine Defense
"Forfeiture is a powerful tool," Levine said.
What the Court Ordered
A September 4 final forfeiture order transferred the yacht, named "Boat Times" and docked in Grand Haven, to the federal government. The order also covers an iPhone.
Shannon is serving a 60-year federal prison sentence imposed in February. Prosecutors say he exploited at least 18 children ages 12 to 17 online between 2019 and 2024. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, he used the yacht in Ottawa County to target another child while awaiting trial on state charges. Homeland Security Investigations said GPS data from his bond tether placed him aboard the boat.
How Federal Forfeiture Works
Levine explained that property used to commit a federal crime can be subject to forfeiture. In practice, this means the government can take ownership of assets connected to an offense — here, a boat and a phone — in addition to any prison sentence the court imposes.
What Comes Next
Shannon filed a notice of appeal on March 4. Prosecutors also requested $5,200 in restitution to cover future counseling for one victim. On May 21, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney put that request on hold, explaining that the pending appeal removed the district court's jurisdiction to decide it.
Watch the full story on WZZM 13, here.
