Neither police nor prosecutors have told Delaware officials how they spend money that come from a special fund made up of cast and property seized from citizens who are suspected of a crime but not necessarily convicted.
A Wilmington News Journal investigation found that law enforcement has not been complying with the law in detailing for the state auditor spending under the Special Law Enforcement Assistance Fund.
Ryan Tack-Hooper, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, told the paper that it was troubling that the state auditor has not been keeping track of the money.
The News Journal found that over 50 people filed petitions for the return of the property for a total of $140-thousand in cash and assets.
But the paper found that most do not do so.
Petitioners must prove that the property was not the result of illegal activity.
