My name is Jean.  I am married to Burt, a 53-year old electrical engineer.  We have an eight-year old daugther.  We are a family probably no different than yours.  Just working hard and trying to save for college and retirement.

On October 14, 2014, our lives were forever altered when my husband was arrested and thrown into solitary confinement for failure to have a business license by the federal government. My husband is not guilty of any crime.  It is very expensive to defend yourself against the U.S. Government.  As of July 14, 2015, the legal fees, costs, and value of assets forfeited equals $284,373.00.

The Assistant United States Attorney is willing to drop the charges (because there is no triable offense) if we forfeit $80,000 to the Federal Asset Forfeiture Fund.  SEE UPDATE FOR NEW INFORMATION.

We have already spent our IRAs and taken out all the equity in our house to defend my innocent husband.  As of July 14, 2015, our outstanding debt incurred to pay legal fees is $95,000.00.

Prior to the creation of the Federal Asset Forfeiture Fund, the prosecutor would have simply dropped the charges or agree to dismiss with prejudice. The prosecutors are tasked with raising as much money for the Asset Forfeiture Fund as possible.

The money literally buys my husband's freedom.  It does not go to reparations, because there are no victims.  It is not a fine, because there is no conviction or plea bargain.  It is an extortion fee to drop the charges.

It will cost $120,000 to go to trial, so the extortion fee is less than the trial costs.

We hope that people will help us in our fight against a very corrupt and unjust U.S. Justice Department.

Please see our full story at www.jmwagner.com.

We truly appreciate any and all help.

Thanks, 

Burt, Jean and our daughter