Opinion
CR 23-12-M-DLC
08-09-2023
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. AUSTEN CHRISTOPHER LEE NEWTON, Defendant.
ORDER
DANA L. CHRISTENSEN, DISTRICT JUDGE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
Before the Court is the United States' Unopposed Motion for Amended Preliminary Order of Forfeiture. (Doc. 30.) Defendant Austen Christopher Lee Newton has been adjudged guilty of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), as charged in the Indictment. (Doc. 28.) As such, there is a factual basis and cause to issue an order of forfeiture, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 924(d).
Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED the motion (Doc. 30) is GRANTED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Newton's interest in the following property is forfeited to the United States in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 924(d):
• assorted rounds of ammunition; and
• Ruger 44 Revolver CAL:44 SN: 55-35662.
The original Preliminary Order of Forfeiture did not include the Ruger firearm; it has since been determined to be an item of forfeiture for the judicial forfeiture process. (Doc. 31 at 2 n.1.)
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the ATF and/or a designated subcustodian is directed to seize the property subject to forfeiture and further to make a return as provided by law.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the United States will provide written notice to all third parties asserting a legal interest in any of the above-described property and will post on an official government internet site (www.forfeiture.gov) for at least 30 consecutive days as required by Rule G(4)(a)(iv)(C) of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Actions, notice of the Court's Preliminary Order and the United States' intent to dispose of the property in such manner as the Attorney General of the United States may direct, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 853(n)(1), and to make its return to this Court that such action has been completed.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that upon adjudication of all third-party interests, if any, the Court will enter a final order of forfeiture, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 853(n)(7) and Fed. R. Crim. P. 32.2(c)(2), in which all interests will be addressed.