Columbia spends more than a quarter-million dollars in civil asset forfeiture money in fiscal 2025

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department spent more than $280,000 gained from seized property in the last fiscal year, according to a report from the state auditor's office.

The department spent $280,142.57 in the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, 2025, the report issued Tuesday states. The department took in more than $143,000 from seized property during the fiscal year. But CPD began the year with about $280,000 in the account.

CPD did not respond to a request for information about how the money was spent.

The Jefferson City Police Department received nearly $93,000 in seized property, but didn't spend any in the last fiscal year.

The Boone County Sheriff's Office did not sign up to receive any funds last fiscal year.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol had the third-biggest haul -- nearly $1.3 million -- behind Kansas City and St. Louis.

Federal asset forfeiture is a federal program under which local and state police agencies can receive money seized in investigations or proceeds from the sale of seized property.

More than 80% of police agencies in the state do not participate in the program.