NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE
MEDIA CONTACT: Wade Backstrom
218-726-2323 or backstromw@stlouiscountymn.gov
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office Uses Criminal Forfeiture Proceeds to Support the 6th Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court Initiative
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce that it has committed $12,000 in criminal forfeiture proceeds to support justice-involved veterans engaged in the Sixth Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court. The donation will be used to fund local participants’ enrollment in the national Challenge America Music Therapy Retreat program, a music therapy retreat led by a Board Certified Music Therapist that connects veterans to music, themselves, and one another. The program uses the healing power of music to help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress and military sexual trauma.
The County Attorney’s Office’s funds used in this donation were obtained through criminal property forfeiture. Under Minnesota law, courts may order the forfeiture of certain property associated with the commission of designated offenses. As the prosecuting authority, the County Attorney’s Office receives a share of the proceeds from the sale of forfeited property. These funds may be used to provide grants to support initiatives that align with the Office’s mission and values.
“The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office is pleased to use the proceeds of criminal activity to further the healing of our justice-involved veterans,” said St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki. “This initiative represents the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office’s full-circle investment in justice - turning criminal proceeds into treatment for our veterans to help them rebuild their lives. These veterans have faced accountability through prosecution and the justice system. Now, we have the opportunity to support their recovery.”
Challenge America was launched in 2009 at a star-studded musical event led by honorary co-founders Amy Grant and Vince Gill. Other celebrities who have joined Amy and Vince in supporting Challenge America's mission include Fred Funk, Alison Kraus, Michael McDonald, Darius Rucker, Mac McAnalley, Melinda Doolittle, Stephen Mansfield, Warren Miller, Robert Redford, Dennis Watson, Loren Roberts, and Bernhard Langer. In addition, Challenge America has been highlighted on national media, including NBC's Today Show and Hulu.com.
For more information, please visit:
Challenge America - https://www.challengeamerica.com/
Sixth Judicial District Treatment Courts - https://mncourts.gov/find-courts/sixth-judicial-district/treatment-courts
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