DEA Seized Life Savings From Hard-Working Grandfather, Never Charged Him With a Crime
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- Kermit Warren is a hardworking grandfather and the head deacon of his church in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. After losing his home to Hurricane Katrina, Kermit managed to rebuild his life. Thanks to a dogged work ethic, frugal lifestyle, diligent saving, and a small inheritance, Kermit managed to build a nest egg of nearly $30,000 in cash over several years. When Kermit lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he tried to use his savings to purchase a tow truck that he could use to support himself. But, on a trip to Ohio, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers took Kermit’s much-needed life savings. Now, the federal government is trying to keep his money using the abusive practice of civil forfeiture, which does not require charging Kermit with any crime, let alone securing a conviction.
ij.org/case/ke...
Kermit and his youngest son, Leo, lost their hotel jobs when the pandemic began. They decided to turn Kermit’s longtime side gig of hauling scrap metal into a fulltime, father-son enterprise. But they needed a tow truck for the business to support them. In early November 2020, with Kermit’s cash life savings in hand, they flew to Ohio, where they had arranged to look at a truck that they hoped to buy and drive home. But when the truck turned out to be too large for their needs, they had to fly back to New Orleans.
At the Columbus airport, TSA screeners noticed that Kermit had a large amount of cash in his bag. They asked him about it but let him continue to his gate. Later, as Kermit and Leo were waiting to board their flight, DEA agents approached them and asked questions about Kermit’s cash. The officers were uninterested in Kermit’s and Leo’s evidence about the source and purpose of the money; it was clear the officers were simply there to take it. Kermit panicked and did something he greatly regrets: In a last-ditch effort to avoid losing his hard-earned life savings, he told the agents that he was a retired New Orleans police officer and showed them his other son’s old badge, which Kermit keeps for sentimental reasons. The officers saw through this right away and Kermit admitted that he was not a former cop.
The DEA agents took all of Kermit’s money. But they did not arrest Kermit or Leo or charge them with any crime. Instead, the agents let them board their plane to New Orleans without Kermit’s life savings.
About six months later, the government filed a civil forfeiture complaint in federal court, arguing that Kermit’s money should be permanently taken because it is somehow connected to drug activity. But the government’s allegations do not connect Kermit or his money to any crime. Instead, the government contends that Kermit vaguely fits the profile of a drug courier. But the government should not be able to take property forever with flimsy evidence; it should have to prove someone’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Now, Kermit has teamed up with the Institute for Justice to call the government’s bluff and ensure that the judiciary holds the government to its burden of presenting actual evidence of criminality before taking away what he worked so hard to set aside.
UPDATE: Kermit's money was finally returned--via an ECF deposit to his bank account--just before Thanksgiving after the federal government agreed to dismiss his case with prejudice. Kermit is looking forward to moving on with his life after a year of hardship. We at IJ will continue to fight to end civil forfeiture.
Thanks Dan!✌️
❤
God bless you folks.
Score one for the god guys!
He got his money back for now, but they will get him again and when they do, there will be nothing he can do. WHY ? Because he can never sue them, ever again, for the same crime !
Dismissed with prejudice means that a civil lawsuit has been dismissed based on merits of the case after a judgment has been issued. When a case is dismissed with prejudice, the plaintiff is barred from filing a lawsuit on the same issue at a later date.
Again, when they do it to him again, he can't sue and NO, lawyers won't be able to argue that the second time they do it, it's a separate issue and the Government will argue that it's a continuation of the same issue and they will win and he won't have a chance in H E double Hockey sticks of getting his money or property, ever again !!!
If someone with a gun robbed you on the street you have the right to defend yourself. These bastards have guns and a badge and can rob you with impunity. Totally disgusting!
Aim for the head of they ever do that to you.
@@billkgeorge Theft under color of law. If that happened to me, those DEA agents would be dead.
They also have qualified immunity. So, you can't even sue them (DEA nor the individuals) to get your money back. It's really effed up. It's legalized robbery. And should never have been legal
The only good thing about the pandemic is that cops with masks look exactly like the thieves that they are.
That’s the fuck up part of the system. So, where or who has the money in the end?
The DEA agents involved in the decision to steal this man’s money should all be held liable and sued for damages.
They should also face jail time for any wrong doing.
They should be hung
The TSA informed the DEA of the cash. They wouldn’t have known otherwise. That sounds a lot like conspiracy against rights (fourth amendment/unreasonable seizure) to me.
So what happens next ?
I hope they have to watch their loved ones pay for their actions...100%
Met this man a few years back. He's an extremely kind man.
Life just doesn't give this beautiful man a break! he should be resting, retired and enjoying life right now.
End Civil Asset Forfeiture
End the DEA too.They are the most incompetent law enforcement agency that’s ever existed.They have less than a 1% affect on the drug trade in America.Drug traffickers lose more drug packages from damage during transport than the DEA seizes in a year.
And qualified immunity.
The OPPRESSION we as Americans are facing under Democrat leadership is unforgivable. Our Constitutional Rights, supercede the leftists profound overreach.
And the federal reserve act
Everyone who conspired to take his money belongs in jail.
And just think, the taxes this man has paid helped to pay the salaries of these DEA thugs. Earning the hate.
@The King Of Nova Scotia Ahhh, DEA is a Government Agency just like the FBI, ATF, HSI, IRS, FDA, CIA, etc. They only operate globally depending upon the host country. Get your facts straight before you go bloviating all over the Internet.
Yeah! DEA probably anarchists passing like them. This US government is a joke, thinking that they can do whatever they want to the people. WRONG,!! USA IS NOT YOURS DEMONRATS.
@@TwoHawksHunting I don't understand what the king of NS said to deserve your reply. He didn't say they were not with a fed agency, and he said nothing about working globally. All he said was they were paid by citizens taxes, and they are deserving of the hate they are receiving. Would you mind enlightening me as to what that's about? Maybe I'm misunderstanding something one of you wrote. i really not trying to give you a hard time, just curious. Thanks.
None of us us would pay thieves to steal from us.....yet here we are listening to this man's story of exactly that.
And cops/government wonder why they have such a bad reputation!
They're approved criminals, and make all criminals more powerful. F*ck the DEA. War on people.
Cops like all abusers, demand respect & worship, they need people to bow down in order to perpetuate their bullying crimes on ordinary people.
🐷🐷🐷
🥓
They don’t care.
Kermit got his money back. 👍👏👏👏. I saw this news on a Chinese news paper World Journal Oct 30 2021 in US. Institute of justices is also mentioned. Great job 👍
Civil Forfeiture should be outlawed!
Kermit is such a hard working guy. I pray that he gets all his money back and then some!
“In early November 2020, with Kermit’s cash life savings in hand, they flew to Ohio, where they had arranged to look at a truck that they hoped to buy. But when the truck turned out to be too large for their needs, they had to fly back to New Orleans.”
I’m not buying it.
Board a plane and fly to Ohio from New Orleans to buy a truck!?
Fly several states away to buy a vehicle that’s approx. 1,000 miles away!?
What, were they planning on buying the truck and flying back or were they planning on driving 1,000 miles back?
This isn’t your norm.
I’m sure there were other trucks to buy near New Orleans or at least within a 100 mile radius so you can drive home with it. I’d bet my life on it.
No one is going to fly to buy a vehicle let alone fly 1,000 miles away to buy a vehicle then drive home 1,000 miles back. That’s unheard of.
Again, I’m not buying his story. No way.
And even if his story were true, which I very much doubt, he should forfeit the money out of stupidity. I mean be serious people, who’s gonna fly 1,000 miles away, several states away, with $30,000.00 cash on-hand to buy a vehicle? NO ONE. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE. That’s who. Additionally I’m sure there were other payment methods available. You’d have to be a real special stupid to take $30,000.00 cash on a flight to buy a vehicle that’s 1,000 miles away. REAL SPECIAL STUPID.
@@BLM_Big_Lipped_Marxist I'm shocked, shocked to hear that an explicitly racist account isn't "buying it"
Did you want to spit my shoes too?
I got Versace’s on today.
☺️
@@BLM_Big_Lipped_Marxist My friend travelled 900 miles for a truck last year. Don't know if he took cash with him but working people do stuff like this all the time. Do you know much about small business/enterprise?
@@yingle6027 he doesn’t give a shit. he doesn’t think kermit sb allowed to have money like that.
Steve Lehto posted a video about this. I’m so glad that this man is getting some help!
We should demand that our state governments forbid civil asset forfeiture.
Why? The state can't be seen as collecting sensible taxes or run a proper govt, so they make your life miserable on a daily basis to run their revenue. Even if it means stealing an innocent good man's life savings under false pretexts. It's great.
Some state have done that, but not enough. The law that allows them to do that is totally unconstitutional. Corrupt marxist judges support that law. This is a law that Hitler used to steal the property of jews.
Why state governments? It violates the Constitution, the Supreme Court should be ruling on these cases in favor of the people.
@@koobs4549 Because the civil forfeiture problem exists at both the federal and state level. Reforms need to be made to laws at both levels to prevent these abuses.
public servants, you know, their offspring your children are going to school with, the ones who are teaching their children to befriend you, to project the belief they are honest and trustworthy, until, they pull the rug out from underneath you and destroy everything you've worked hard for, children are bereft of reality, tools of the trade, never trust a public servant.
Thank you institute for justice for trying to protect us from our malicious corporate government.
Yeah, unfortunately few organisations out there holding the frontline of decency and justice. I ditched living in the US and ain't coming back, once you're out you start to realise how much more F-up it is than you already know !
@@ottodidakt3069 yeah I'm stuck here. But im fine going down with this rotten ship. I'll be like the orchestra on the titanic trying to convince people we can turn things around until I cant breathe anymore.
IFJ Thank you for your work!!!
How can this ever be justifiable?! They robbed this man!
The DEA keeping Kermit's money is a crime in itself. I hope this poor man gets justice.
Wish he had just rented a car to get back home - then he would not have had to deal with these criminals.
@@sandragreen9560 they could pull him over and do the same shit
The DEA needs an Aztec ass whooping one on one. All these public servants are out of control especially the white entitled ones.
With interest!! Anyone can become a victim!! This needs to end!!
@@sandragreen9560 Doesn't work. The law will take your money at a traffic stop. It has been done before time and again. And if you think obeying traffic laws is enough to keep you safe, have I got a bridge to sell you.
When I see stories like this, I want to cry. Kermit seems like the most awesome man. Anyone who'd rob him, and people like him, are straight up evil. Much love and prayers to Deacon Kermit and his son.
“In early November 2020, with Kermit’s cash life savings in hand, they flew to Ohio, where they had arranged to look at a truck that they hoped to buy. But when the truck turned out to be too large for their needs, they had to fly back to New Orleans.”
I’m not buying it.
Board a plane and fly to Ohio from New Orleans to buy a truck!?
Fly several states away to buy a vehicle that’s approx. 1,000 miles away!?
What, were they planning on buying the truck and flying back or were they planning on driving 1,000 miles back?
This isn’t your norm.
I’m sure there were other trucks to buy near New Orleans or at least within a 100 mile radius so you can drive home with it. I’d bet my life on it.
No one is going to fly to buy a vehicle let alone fly 1,000 miles away to buy a vehicle then drive home 1,000 miles back. That’s unheard of.
Again, I’m not buying his story. No way.
And even if his story were true, which I very much doubt, he should forfeit the money out of stupidity. I mean be serious people, who’s gonna fly 1,000 miles away, several states away, with $30,000.00 cash on-hand to buy a vehicle? NO ONE. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE. That’s who. Additionally I’m sure there were other payment methods available. You’d have to be a real special stupid to take $30,000.00 cash on a flight to buy a vehicle that’s 1,000 miles away. REAL SPECIAL STUPID.
Bottom line, forget the drug money and keep spit shinning dress shoes. BTW, my Versace’s do need a good shine. 🤗
@@BLM_Big_Lipped_Marxist I don't know why you don't believe his story. I live in South Florida and have purchased three vehicle out of state where I did exactly what Kermit did. Just because you haven't done it doesn't mean others don't.
@@EDesigns_FL The answer is in the guy's user name. He's explicitly racist.
@@BLM_Big_Lipped_Marxist is it against the law to carry cash? You're an ass. Educate yourself on the law GFY.
@@BLM_Big_Lipped_Marxist Last time I checked, having a large amount of cash is not a crime. And some people don't trust banks, which is why they use only cash.
Either from a force of nature like a hurricane or a pandemic or from an unnatural force like the TSA and DEA, this man just can't get a break! Good luck Kermit and IJ!
Thanks Marianne!
@@InstituteForJustice take care of this gentleman. I’m sick of these civil asset forfeiture scams...among other things.
I support the people who want to tear down the system that kicks good people like this man. Let Troy burn. The fall of the sick criminals who run America's law enforcement is my desire, burn those racketeers in hell.
@The King Of Nova Scotia who are you talking to..?
Hanging them is too nice make them fight lions with their bear hands
They plan these thefts… I’ve heard them bragging about these thefts.
I've heard a cop who comes to my gym boast about this.
It's not enough that his money loses its value over time, they even steal it from him. Outrageous. I'm happy he got it back at least.
Civil Forfeiture needs to end. This too will take an act of Congress. If you really care about the issue you'll pick up a phone and talk to your representatives.
They are so rich they dont need to, where ever they go life is good.
Congress needs to work on bringing that 6 week vacation up to 6 months, After all they are worth it.
@@beadyeye2312 All three branches of Government influenced by Corporations
Or better yet, vote OUT your representative. Replace them with ANYONE who is not a politician. Then you might have a chance to convince the new rep. to fix this . Just maybe.
Need to start using the 2nd amendment on these treasonous terrorist ARMED ROBBING felons.....
Dead agents have a powerful chilling effect.
Thank god that the institute for justice is out there, and they are helping this guy. This guy is the best example of a hard working, humble, citizen in America,. We need more people like this guy and the government is destroying people like him. It's so illogical and counterproductive. Hope he wins his hard earn money back. 😊
How many more victims of this type of abuse are out there not aware of any avenue of help?
That is good to know, that there is someone on his side. Thank you.
I AM GLAD THAT, GOD JEHOVAH, IS NOT GOING TO LET, YOU PEOPLE, GET AWAY WITH THE EVIL, YOU HAVE DONE AND STILL DO IN 2021 !!! REVELATION 13:10
ROMANS 12:19
EXODUS 21:16
I can appreciate what you're saying,BUT I noticed how you purposefully didn't mention the RACE of the HARDWORKING man being robbed, even though you just heard the Institute for Justice man say that the government/DEA MOSTLY target blacks and other minorities for this type of Strong Armed Robbery!!!! See this is the problem and reason this nation will never have peace is because too many, I would say in fact the majority of this nations whyt people will not ADMIT to RACISM and you cannot heal, get rid of something that you yourself will NOT ACKNOWLEDGE!!! I praise almighty Yahushaua that He has already promised to AVENGE His chosen people against their ENEMIES! I thank and praise His because He doesn't have His people ignorant of Satan's devices, it was already prophesied that His chosen people would go into captivity again, but this time by ships and be afflicted by a wicked people in a strange land for four hundred years! Satan's children are motivated by evil, racism, jealousy, hatred! I do know that my heavenly Father loves mercy and will save everyone, but you will have to seek Him and forsake your wicked ways: John 8: 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
@UCdgilWf4xHpS6oqseMW3POg it's anyone who is successful. Anyone who isn't dependant on the state. Anyone likely to leave wealth for their kids who themselves will then no be dependant on the state. You getting the picture here. They have targeted minority communities to say otherwise is intellectually dishonest but its not about race. They want as few people as possible, of every race, creed and religion, to be successful and therefore independent. Or free. Fuck you money some call it. We outnumber them by the hundreds of millions so it suits them to keep us at each others throats. They're not oppressing us or holding us back friend, we're doing it to each other on their behalf. We keep throwing historical events and incidents at each other as if somehow you or I are responsible for things that happened before our parents were even born. All that does and has done is bred division and hatred. Think on here, its wasn't Nazi soldiers rounding up Jews, it was their neighbours. Same thing in Russia, wasn't soviet soldiers rounding people up it was their neighbors.
I've heard this kind of story for years. Don't travel with any large amounts of cash. Civil forfeiture needs to end. It encourages theft by dishonest officials.
They should have realised that. They should have carried it in small amounts instead or keep money in the vault
@@eyeswideopen7777 Not everyone is aware of DEA tactics and unconstitutional forfeiture of money. When USA schools start teaching rights, and at least everyday laws, the panorama will be able to start changing.
@@drantil the pigs have always been dirty.
@@eyeswideopen7777 totally agree. Only we now have access to public media and cameras, so we get to see it.
@@eyeswideopen7777 Don't keep money in a vault in the US either. Feds will raid a vault company for one person that is a suspect and they will then raid all the vaults at the location and seize everyone's property and make the owners prove they obtained it legally. Happened to a place in Hollywood.
It's better to look at safe havens like in the Caribbean or find other ways of storing your money. Even if you prove your innocence, the money seized will be mostly gone and you'll only get a fraction of what law enforcement agencies haven't taken for themselves.
I feel for this man, this happened to me in Tennessee ruined my life im still struggling because of those thieves
I remember that..!
This is heartbreaking!!
Praying for you Brother… Praying that you get justice…God will prevail for you..
@Donald Stevens you can get all the lawyers you want but, nothing good will happen if it’s not the Lord’s will… And there have been times he’s answered my prayers but they were on his plans and not mine… Even if something doesn’t go the way I would have wanted the outcome to be I’ll still praise God… We go through things sometimes … It rains on the good and the bad… I’ll be praying for you and don’t tell me you have never called out to God …
@@johnrhardin6460 proof?
Your idiotic cult is content to do nothing (pray) while reality still moves forward.
@@ninefingerjack I lost my job in 2010 due to health problems…. My wife’s job she brought $200 a week home… I prayed about it and put it in God’s hand,,, I owed $7000. On my truck and 96,000 on my home for another 20 years,,, Within 5 years I paid cash to pay my home and truck off,,, So don’t tell me God doesn’t answer prayers and don’t tell me you have never called out to God,,, if you haven’t you will some day
@@johnrhardin6460 proof it was your specific God?
Why not vishnu? Or horus?
Try again champ. Anecdotes are not evidence. Otherwise a lot of people are *actually* psychics.
@@johnrhardin6460 want to know how prayer is a fucking joke?
Does God have a plan? You: yes
Can any man change that plan? You: no
So what the fuck does prayer do?
Do you think you're reminding your sky daddy of something he forgot? Or do you presume to know more than it?
Proof the christian cult doesn't think. Fair enough when your fairy tales tell you not to think for yourself.
The contradictions are hilariously plentiful. Thanks for supporting slavery too. Good job.
They know it will cost more money in attorney fees and court costs than the money he had, so they take it and dont care about the poor guy that they stole it from. This country isnt a free country any more.
Weren’t you watching? The institute for Justice is helping him, they’re doing it for free
@@YoungBlood507 his point is that the DEA targets amounts of money that are less than the cost of the legal battle. Just because this guy happened to be lucky enough to get IfJ's help, doesn't mean everyone does, and the DEA couldn't know in advance they would help pro-bono
It's a shame that this can happen in America. I pray that you get it all back. Good luck to you sir.
#Americaisgone
A shame? Name one year in American history where it didn't happen?
I had been burglarized for around 2,000$ and it makes you feel so much pity and dispair on yourself. I couldn't imagine the pain and betrayal of being a hardworking man saving and not constantly indulging being honest with everyone and still being treated as a criminal
This breaks my heart that this Man 💔 was treated so badly!!!!!
The DEA agenst never heard him say $30k, they only heard "Cha-Ching!".
The DEA is not much different than a gang, well with a gang when you hand over your money at least you get some protection.
Actually there is, a gang may rob you, but there is still a chance to caught them and they go to jail, with DEA, they rob you and there isn't much you can do, in other words they guys that are getting paid to protect you are the ones robbing you.
@E.G. Healey You can find the answer in the Supreme Court decision "Calero-Toledo v. Pearson Yacht Leasing Co., 416 U.S. 663 (1974)"
@Dan Edu
That's what the dark web is for....
As the late great George Carlin said - "the U.S. is a 3rd world country, wearing a Gucci belt" Hope that justice prevails and this good man gets his money back. ♥️
Gov. Is a big club and we ain’t in it 😎👀
For all of you ladies and gents in this comment bringing your views on this and views on that. Are we going to help the man or not? The young lady simply wanted to know about a GoFundMe page for this guy. That's it's..... All she wanted to know!!!!
@@lamara8497 Commentary is a social forum. She doesn't have to read them and neither do you. Maybe folks discuss and changes happen, maybe it is mere noise, but it isn't going to hurt getting the story out into the collective consciousness through dialog. I say this while recognizing the YT commentary realm as a complete cesspit.
@@darkmadder9897 bro a simple question for a simple answer. All that other stuff you're talking is trash. Humility is what it comes down to.....
@@lamara8497 Yeah.
Practice what you preach.
Those DEA agents shouldn't be breathing anymore.
What a shameful act. Dont u feel a shame?
Thank u for helping this man.
Thank you for confirming who the enemy of the people really is.
It's all about power and control.
They'd ban the use of cash tomorrow if they could.
Totally against the 4th amendment.
Those thieves should go to jail.
has Kermit a Go-fund-me? I would like to donate to him so that he and his Son can buy a Truck. It might not be much but every little helps.
@Antifederalist lining their own pockets like every other corrupt organization.
I would too, this man worked hard all his life and the DEA just robbed him blind. I hope he wins his lawsuit and I hope he creates a Go-fund-me because I would definitely donate.
@Antifederalist Where are the proud boys, nazis and the kkk?..oh yeah, that's right. They are the same people who work for the DEA.
@@PaulPaid those 3 groups are at the other extreme end of the spectrum. I see a man who has worked hard to achieve The American Dream only to be screwed over by it’s gatekeepers. Kermit worked hard and played by all the rules then the DEA comes along and ruins his life after being racially profiled by a nosey TSA worker who thinks that she’s going to be an FBI agent or an actual Homeland Security officer. I honestly hope that Kermit and his son are given an apology an Kermit’s money returned. I’m sure that you feel the same way. Everyone deserves some level of respect.
@Antifederalist Obviously the Truth leaves a bad taste in your hypocritical mouth.
Thank you for helping him.
End civil asset forfeiture!
Land of the FREE, home of the BRAVE, is drifting further, & further into the distance....
...and has become a long time ago, in an America far, far away...
America was never free. Tell me a Time it was truly free and that's a time Ima laugh in your face.
@@boomknight1015 Man I spent my youth in the school library reading every book I could get my hands on. All those years ago, I put it together, It's hard to not see it. Seen.
Where You been??? They've been doing this to Black People since the first time a Black Person got their hands on some real money. Only difference now is, pre1960 or so they would've lynched him too and told his family the bank had a lien on all his property. "America" pfft...
@@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO Also the news wouldn't see that as news
Thank you IJ for taking Kermit's case.
stuff like this makes my blood boil. i wish there was an entity that could do the same back to the government.
That's exactly what we at IJ do. We have a class-action lawsuit against TSA and DEA over these unconstitutional airport cash seizures.
Thanks you for fighting against these tyrants and helping these people
God Bless this Man!!!!
We need to start confiscating the pensions of DEA agents to repay these wronged citizens! These agents are just as criminal as convicted criminals in prison! Criminals belong behind bars, not badges.
First rule of thumb : Never tell ANYONE, especially the authorities, you’re carrying cash. Civil asset seizure is my pet peeve.
My heart and prayers go out to Kermit and his family. God bless you.
First rule of thumb, don't fly with cash. This is why things like paypal exist, or venmo, or you go to your local bank branch and setup a cash withdrawal there once you arrive. While it's not illegal to travel with cash, the government is going to treat you like a criminal if you do. It's wrong, it needs to be stopped, but until it is you should always use other means of money transfer.
Unfortunately every bank doesn't have a branch in every city in town.
@@donpayton737 you can always write a check and go cash it with the truck seller till it clears
@@Towelie4200 Sometimes checks take up to 2 weeks to clear. Credit Unions are better in my opinion and cashier's checks. The seller may only wanted to take cash too. Many people are retiring from using checks because of scams, but with a cashier's check, you pay the cash upfront at the financial institution so it's less red tape for it for clear.
Most banks won't show a check clears till the next day. Wire transfer is about the only thing you can do that's relatively immediate.
But trying to figure out something else someone can do when what he did was perfectly fine.
People like to look for something that someone did wrong when they're a victim so they can rationalize it instead of just thinking the world is fucked up and something needs to change.
Civil Asset Forfeiture should be called what it is: Law Enforcement Fundraiser via Theft (The acronym is purely a coincidence 😂).
Your ha-ha joke makes no sense, given it is clearly a tool of the Right. The Left reflect the attorneys representing Mr. Warren.
@@kristinemunholland8980 Actually, the Institute for Justice is libertarian. Ha-ha.
@@tuesdaysgone.7635 My point was, you were mocking the left. They are not the ones responsible for civil forfeiture. That is clearly a tactic of the right.
@@kristinemunholland8980 Civil Asset Forfeiture is an abomination that doesn’t discriminate between Left or Right. When I scribbled the comment, the acronym (while irrelevant) WAS purely coincidental, which I found amusing. Your ‘point’ was that you did not find it amusing, and took it personally, as an attack on the Left, which you felt compelled to defend, by blaming the Right (with inaccurate information, which I also found amusing). Okay, you win. The Left is fortunate to have such a devoted ally.
@@tuesdaysgone.7635 If I misread your intention, so be it. It appeared to be an anti-left dig. I agree 1000% w/your original thesis, just not the acronym.
horrible horrible, please help him I pray.
You handled it very well sir. God bless you.
When the DEA asked if they could speak with you, the reply should have been, "I don't answer questions!"
It wouldn't have changed anything. They smelled money and they where going to take it either way.
That would not have mattered. They would have just seized his money anyhow.
They would have still stolen his money. This is a scam.
The real answer is, "I am not an Information Booth, and I don't answer questions."
A local criminal attorney in my town (which sits on a major drug route) told me that the feds are not so interested in intercepting the drugs as they are in intercepting the money going back the other way.
They're right!
They're right. a tv news station did an excellent segment about this in Tennessee.
Yes because all of the money seized is not reported either. Everybody gets paid.
Exactly why drugs will never be fully legal again the US. Law enforcement and other federal agencies make a ton of money on it being illegal.
I cannot thank you enough for doing what you do, IJ! Institutes like yours are crucial in the legal hellscape, and I'm glad you are able to defend people for their due rights.
This man is so obviously a man of integrity, hard working and thoroughly decent. What kind of society and political agents behave in such a disgraceful way towards such decent people? A disgrace. A total disgrace!
IJ y'all are definitely doing the right thing by fighting for these victims and fighting to do away with theft from the federal government!!!!
Lucky he is mentally strong. Stealing someone's life savings like that could lead them to make rash decisions about whether they have the strength to start over again. I'm sure there are many people who would just want to check out after what would feel like a nightmare come to life. Cold and heartless.
Hopefully they take a few of the bastards who did it out with them. I'm amazed no one hasn't done that already.
Amen. I pray this young man receives back what is rightfully his. May God bless him.
Pray the agents who STOLE his $$$ are BRUTALLY DISEMBOWELED and fed to reef sharks...👍
Guilty until proven innocent. That’s part of the new normal.
Except in civil asset forfeiture, the asset -- be it money, or a vehicle, or whatever -- is "charged" with the crime. "We think the _money_ was involved in an illegal activity." Carefully worded.
Stupid ass backward law.
Always has been. People used to get hanged based on a whim in this country.
@@samuelbekele3601….yeah, the kkk used to do that on a daily/weekly basis in this country. Just for instructional purposes only, the kkk was started by 2 registered members of the democrat national committee….the democrat party also legislated every single segregation law.
@@deplorablelibertarian And they wrote all the Jim Crow laws.
This is a sad state of affairs. Institute of justice thank-you for standing up for these people
What an absolute injustice. This needs to be ended.
The agents who stole his money, should get the death penalty….
And drug dealers no if ands or buts kill them immediately. I'm with you let's clean this world up
Any agent that does this should - THIS is inhumane.
I completely agree
Everyone here is joking right?
@@carlvargas7911 if you say so…
Civil Forfeiture must end!
This is unbelievable.. I cannot understand how they can just say well it's because I don't believe you so I'm taking it.. He can prove what he was saying is true!! This makes me so angry.. Please keep us updated on this..
@Just Moi That's Gub't. Land of the Fee, Home of the Slave lol
FTFY
Makes me VERY angry as well. How about those states that were ( and maybe still do? ) pulling over only people who lived in a different state, just passing through, on the interstate, who weren't speeding or breaking any laws, thrown in jail, framed on bogus charges, having their vehicle confiscated and all money & personal items they had with them. Those folks didn't even have a lot of cash on them. The victims were of all races too. One lady & her young son were members of a church group. She was driving the church van loaded with kids, traveling home from some out of state field trip. They arrested & framed her too. Finally, some TV show did an experiment with hidden cameras. They traveled through those same areas, with cameras proving they weren't speeding. Sure enough, they pulled them over with NO just cause, and tried to arrest, frame & rob them too. But those crooked cops & that police force were busted red handed, thanks to that tv show and their hidden cameras. This was over 15 yrs ago.
Thank you for your support! We will fight with everything we have to get Kermit's money back. When there is an update in his case, we will announce it on our Twitter feed and Facebook page, plus issue a press release.
God Bless This Good Man. ❤
Thanks to the NYT for featuring this story & to Mr. Warren for letting his case be represented by the Institute for Justice. Civil forfeiture is a disgrace. I hope they have to return his savings with interest!
“We’re all in this together……wait you have some stacks in your savings? You must’ve stole that!!! It’s ours now!”
May God richly bless the work of all who are participating in seeking justice for the poor. Godspeed Institute for Justice.
All of this in direct and flagrant violation of the man's Fourteenth Amendment right to due process.
So sorry!!, Prayers your money will be returned to you!!!
God bless this man. This is police taking soft touch easy people rather than taking on hard cases
This is what happens when you let your government get this big and powerful. This is what the founders of our country were worried might happen in the future if it's citizens weren't vigilant.
@Bswag Swag
"This is what the founders of our country were worried might happen in the future if it's citizens weren't vigilant".
Our founders were fighting against authoritarianism , FYI .
Big Government is 100% the reason we can’t have nice things! I agree 100%
@Bswag SwagOur founders realized that every other system of governance known to man, has sought to inflict it’s will onto others. They knew that only a government by we the people could ensure that tyranny could be avoided.
The founding fathers were slaveholders stop holding them up as they were such honorable and great people they wouldn't have nothing to do with your ass either
@@garyflythe1362 A lot of people held slaves! Doesn’t make them wrong! I can tell that you certainly don’t know a damn thing about slavery! These men were Brilliant! Oh guess who sold us these people? Other Africans! The Founding Fathers would have been guilty of one crime “Treason” had we lost the war but guess what? We did not lose and thanks to people like Thomas Jefferson we have Rights that no one else has! Whites were slaves also but I don’t hear anyone crying about white slavery in Africa or the Middle East! Every color person was enslaved at one time so get over it! In the 1700s it was normal but times change and so should you.
"...whenever the legislators endeavour to take away, and destroy the property of the people, or to reduce them to slavery under arbitrary power, they put themselves into a state of war with the people, who are thereupon absolved from any farther obedience, and are left to the common refuge, which God hath provided for all..." ~John Locke
I wonder if we would all be a lot better off by the complete eradication of these criminal agencies.
Completely agreed. Love this quote!
John Locke is right, but he sure as hell didn't mean peacefully.
He meant violently.
Too many men who fear the government but ain't afraid of no criminal.
The government has long declared war against the common man, it's time we returned the favor.
@@SoloWryder the problem with that line of logic that you just displayed is its not very logical and not even close to historically accurate.
historically, with the likes of hitler, stalin, mao, etc etc, the people were at their lowest and most difficult times of their lives (stalin), economies ruined (hitler), or the people were easily fooled by a wolf in sheeps clothing (mao).
the tyrants come to power and suddenly nobody has anything left to fight with not long afterwards.
and while the institute for justice has been at the forefront of fighting corruption for over 20 years, maybe longer, it stands to reason if a tyrannical government like the one we have now came to power, the first ones that would be thrown in the gas chambers or concertation camps is the patriots, and a lot of lawyers with the IJ are patriots, now they are the new targets. they won't get to them now tho, you wait a year or two, unless we do something.
and whats worse is we all fell for it. we were at our lowest time, (pandemic/covid-19) race wars were a thing, and we were(still are) divided. one man accepted the tyrants call, and one woman was his running mate.
whats more? our constitution is completely ripped into a million pieces and discarded in the trash.
this is why i stated that, but i will say this much: we need a constitution 2.5, we need a new constitution, with clear, scientific/legal language, that secures more rights but also prepares for the future, where people have to have a adult license to be able to do adult things and have rights, and the way to adulthood is to be mature.
10 critical criteria would be used in testing a man or woman for maturity.
on top of it, people should be forced to learn literally everything on history, and be tested on such knowledge, basically mandatory history classes.
once you have adult maturity and history lessons made mandatory, it would be impossible for anyone, even politicians, unless they wanted to directly lie and reveal themselves, to be able to take control like they have in both our educational system and our liberties, because everyone would be smart enough not to take the bait thats been taken by gullible humans for millennia.
@@SoloWryder I addressed your dumb arguments for peace, when history had taught us that tyrants stay in power knowing they can put people who criticize them in gulags and gas chambers, and we have to act now or very soon before they become a serious threat, then I gave you solutions to secure our rights in the long term so it does not happen again, based on human psychology and history. But I'm the bad guy for suggesting we need to revolt.
History is often something we have to fight over, because history of yesteryear often becomes history of today, basically repeating itself in similar or bloody ways. Our founding fathers wanted to prevent that, but the lack of knowledge on human psychology hindered that greatly, and left a lot of holes that makes our constitution ineffective at detering criminal tyrants.
this is a heartbreaking story that offends me deeply. it makes me want to go to law school and work for IJ.
Me too, but 20 years ago. So I went to law school, graduated in 2006, and now work as a senior attorney at IJ. I am the lead attorney in Kermit's case.
A man who is a really decent human being, someone who has worked harder in his life more than most people, certainly harder than those agents, gets robbed, and its seems nothing can be done. There is something seriously wrong with both the agents and the law!
Wow that is sick. Hope you can help this man.
I don't understand how this isn't a complete violation of the 4th amendment.
@@beadyeye2312 Exactly. All levels of the judicial system are protecting civil forfeiture. It's a revenue generating scheme. Constitutional right be damned.
Mistake #1: You actually believe in America
It is. But only the government can violate your rights with impunity.
Stop using 4th Amendment, that was created by US Govt so they can ignore that crap anytime they want to do so... it's no different if you come into my house you have to abide by my rules and I changed the rules whenever I want to do it. However, it's okay to REFERENCE 4th Amendment or any other Bill of Rights to show US Govt agent to compare it with your arguing.
Civil forfeiture should absolutely stopped.
It implies that no crime is required for this action by not using the word criminal.
Since when can someone take your property because you haven't broken the law, this needs to be stopped right now.
“It implies that no crime is required…”
Apparently, you do not understand Civil Asset Forfeiture. That procedure is inherently based on the fact that the government cannot demonstrate any crime has been committed, for if it could then the assets would be seized pursuant to criminal action. That is the meaning of the word “civil” in CAF - it REQUIRES that the government act upon the express contention that it cannot demonstrate any linkage to a crime, so it is moving to steal the assets by “civil” means instead. There is no implication; the government is openly, declaratively, bald-face sly using civil means to steal from citizens without any demonstration that any crime has been committed. In fact, in the vast majority of CAF cases no criminal investigation of any kind is even undertaken.
@@renatapawelec8154
Obviously i'm not aware of it, I know nothing of the land taken from farmers during the war, i'm completely ignorant of what government can do, actually do and get away with because I am taken in by media.
Don't be so quick in your assessment.
Please do updates on this story! I so want to know what happens
I like that you help the poor and others that cant help thrmselves!
One recommendation is that you add at the end of each video what was the resolution.Some have a follow up link that, you have to look for.But thee key today to success is ease of use!
this stuff is so sad. glad he got his money back finally.
I wished he'd got a cashier check. Hopefully, he gets his 30k back 🙌
My thoughts exactly..it's beyond dangerous to carry that kind of cash around. This time it was the DEA , but it could have been some thug in the parking lot. I'm not defending the DEA , as the money should be returned if an investigation proves his story and his innocence.
@@ifitsfreeitsforme1852 I agree with you as well 💯
Little hope, Even here in Australia, the communist hell hole of the South, we have heard of civil asset forfeiture and that a lot of Police jurisdictions use it to both fund their activities but also to enrich themselves.
@@Mercmad wow, yeah I've heard those stories as well
Story kinda does make any sense
END CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE!
Take it all the way to the Supreme Court and stop this for ever!
I'm from New Orleans originally, and this makes me SICK! This man BETTER get back not only every dime, BUT he should SUE them and get even more!!!
There needs to be a HEALTH WARNING prior to any videos played on this UA-cam channel. I've just watched my first two videos and my blood pressure is through the roof and I'm grinding down my teeth.
Keep fighting for our freedoms.
"We have been to the moon, we have charted the depths of the ocean and the heart of the atom, but we have a fear of looking inward to ourselves because we sense that is where all the contradictions flow together.”
"With no sacredness of the ballot there can be no sacredness of human life itself." --Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931)
"If you don't have a plan, you become part of somebody else's plan.”
"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them."~ Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Wow!
Praying for this man, this is an absolute atrocity.
Civil asset forfeiture is an extremely unamerican process. If they have no criminal charges to file they need to return the money. It's armed robbery otherwise, and unacceptable.
This just makes me sick! Unbelievable... this is just stealing! And i would imagine this feels even worse than if a thug breaks in to your home. People who you expect do an honest job and then they just steal this poor, honest, hard working man of all his money! Hard to put it in to words... i really feel for these people!
Me too brother, this story broke my heart. This man clearly has an incredible work ethic. Seems like a strong, humble man who'll turn his hand to any blue collar job so long as the work and money is honest. So what do the authorities do? Take every damn penny he saved. Absolutely outrageous.
I will say to this man.... God is on your side!!!
Oh my goodness. The federal government is becoming more and more ridiculous.
The money has been sued.. so it should counter sue for defamation....
I swear one time my dad was going to buy shoes and he had like 4000 in cash and the cops took and when they gave it back he was missing $500 and then the lawyer fees basically just made it all pointless like he lost it all cause they can just take it 😒
Heard lots of stories like this especially in the Oklahoma area. Heard it prevalent out there
If they start asking, do you have any large amounts of cash with you? for one of thier first questions, you know thier money hungry
@@Towelie4200 just so yk where it happened it was in Wisconsin.
When did this happen? I'm Kermit's attorney at IJ. We successfully represented a musician from Madison in a civil forfeiture case.
@@DanAlban honestly this happened like years ago but I'll ask him cause I don't remember exactly, I just remember he was missing some money from the full amount and the court fees made him lose basically all of it.
I appreciate the work u guys do. Todays state of affairs r absolutely abhorrent.
My God, what the DEA agents did is horrible!! I can't believe this is allowed. This man deserves his money back and extra for his pain and suffering.
Civial forfeiture just needs to go. Unless the govt can prove beyond a reasonable dought that the money was gained illegally. Never carry cash. A cashier's check from a bank is the same as cash and replaceable. Never carry anymore cash than a couple hundred bucks in Texas or Oklahoma. These state have awful civial forfeiture laws that are in favor of the cops and states.
I'm a trucker; I never carry cash anymore.
I don't accept cashier's checks. A lot of Fake cashier's checks going around. Cash / Bank wire or No Deal.
@@johntore6108 there is such thing as counterfeit US currency. If you call the bank b4 accepting a cashiers check, they can tell ya if it is legit.
U may not find out that your cash is counterfeit till you put it in the bank.
Some banks charge up to 10% for electronic wire. On a $30,000 deal could cost as much as $3000 to wire it.
Free if you use Zelle, but I don't trust these new cash applications. Too much fraud going on there.
Oh. Yeah. Go on ahead. All smiles.
(Knows they're going to take his money).
-then she informed the ATF
Bingo!!!! That’s it.
What can we as an American do to stop this? Please IJ, tell us what to do.
@MarkWest IJ is a national 501c3 nonprofit public interest law firm that represents all of our clients pro bono. We are determined to fight back in the court of law but you can help Kermit (and the many other American victims of abusive civil forfeiture practices) by spreading the word and sharing this video on social media. You can also donate to IJ to help support Kermit's case and many others here: ij.org/support/give-now/
Thank you for your support!
@@beadyeye2312 Thanks for your support - we really appreciate it!
@@InstituteForJustice
Thank You for your response.
Im going to make a donation as I really am grateful for your Institute. Please make sure some of it goes to that poor college kid that got beat up by the cop and fed. James King?
Thanks
Sending love and good vibes your way ❤️ this is heartbreaking.
This situation is just so wrong on so many levels!!