The government won the forfeiture cases and has appointed a claims administrator. Andy Bowdoin has filed an appeal of the forfeiture. There could be a decision by the end of the year — sooner, if the universe lines up the right way.

Unfortunately, the refund timeline is still in doubt until the litigation is resolved.

You might want to visit the link below. There is a link from there to the site of the claims administrator.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/dc/Victim_Witness_Assistance/adsurfdaily.html

History shows that the forfeiture case nearly was resolved in January 2009 — coming up on two years ago now — when Andy Bowdoin submitted to the forfeiture.

He changed his mind a month later. That’s why the case is unresolved.

I do understand your frustration, and I sympathize with your plight over the electric bill. That is a terrible situation.

This, however, is not a case of the government not wanting to implement a restitution program — i.e., it is plain from court filings that the government wants the victims to receive compensation.

I wish you the best, Randy.

Patrick