US Lawmakers Seek Return Of Funds Seized From Dairy Farm
WASHINGTON (WJZ)—When they put their money in the bank, they didn't give it a second thought, but federal agents did.
WJZ's Alex DeMetrick reports, it's been a nightmare ever since, for a Maryland dairy farmer.
The cows may be content at South Mountain Creamery in Frederick County, but not the farmer.
"It's ludicrous. I mean, I don't feel like I'm in America anymore," said Randy Sowers.
Even though the dairy is pure Americana from the farm store--which sells milk, butter, ice cream and eggs--to the sales at farmer's markets, it's a cash business.
When Randy Sowers took the money to the bank, it happened to be his deposits were just under $10,000.
Drug dealers also deposit money this way when laundering their cash and it triggers the interest of federal agents.
Deposits of more than $10,000 must be reported by banks to the Treasury Department, but multiple deposits of less than $10,000 triggers an investigation.
"Two Treasury people come in and pretty much determined we were a legitimate business here, and we weren't laundering money or selling drugs or anything," said Sowers.
But Sowers' $65,000 bank account was still seized by the government, he says federal prosecution was threatened.
Three years and one settlement later, he is still out $30,000.
"I found out this happened to a lot of other people and most people wouldn't talk about it," Sowers said.
Randy Sowers told his story to a congressional committee last winter and now the committee is talking.
In a letter they've basically told Treasury to pay Randy Sowers and others in the same situation.
But it's not clear a $30,000 check is coming, even with a new policy changing how money is seized.
Sowers says the $30,000 is gone and he understands through that, but he doesn't want this to happen to other people.
Under the new policy which started in April, the government can't seize a bank account unless illegal transactions have been documented.
