Cash seized by law enforcement agencies in Denton County and held for possible civil forfeiture grew by nearly $600,000 over the past year, according to the district attorney's annual forfeiture report, which goes to county commissioners for approval Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The Denton County Criminal District Attorney's Office handles the civil cases in which local law enforcement agencies ask courts to keep cash and property they say is tied to crime. Texas law requires the office to account each year for what was seized, what was forfeited and how forfeited money was spent.
The county auditor and the district attorney certify the report, commissioners approve it, and it goes to the Texas attorney general.
Cash held while cases play out
The report covers the 2026 fiscal year, September through August. It shows:
- $1.21 million in seized cash on hand at the start of the year
- $735,470 seized by other agencies the office represents during the year
- $1.04 million in new forfeiture petitions filed and $1.38 million in forfeitures still pending
- $94,430 returned to defendants or respondents
- $127,048 moved into the forfeiture account after cases ended
- $1.8 million in seized cash on hand at year's end
The report notes a $23,603 adjustment to reconcile balances after the county switched financial software in June and July 2025, saying conversion errors were not fully understood when last year's report was filed.
What was forfeited, and where it went
Courts forfeited about $161,770 during the year. Of that, $97,884 was passed to the agencies covered by local agreements and $63,886 went to the district attorney's office.
