St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - An annual report on criminal forfeitures in Minnesota shows the Rochester Police Department is among the most active law enforcement agencies in the state for property seizures in connection with criminal investigations.

The data compiled by the State Auditor’s Office shows Rochester Police completed 156 forfeitures in 2017, which was tied with the Hennepin Drug Task Force at fourth on the list of the agencies with 100 or more seizures last year. The Southeastern Minnesota Narcotics and Gang Task Force was listed fifth with 148 completed forfeitures. The Minnesota State Patrol topped the list with over 1300 forfeitures, while the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources had the second highest total at 467 followed by the Dakota County Drug Task Force at 180.

Overall, the report found 320 Minnesota law enforcement agencies reported 7,832 completed forfeitures of property valued at over $9.4 million. After factoring in administrative and other expenses, the sale of the forfeited property resulted in a net gain of just over $7 million for the law enforcement agencies. The number of seizures was up about 800 from 2016, while the net proceeds were down about $386,000.

Over 60-percent of the forfeitures involved vehicles, almost 25-percent was cash, and firearms accounted for 13-percent of the seizures.

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