MYRON H. THOMPSON, District Judge.
Now pending before the court is the government's motion for an amended preliminary order of forfeiture (doc. no. 132) filed on March 17, 2020.
This court entered a preliminary order of forfeiture (doc. no. 60) on March 8, 2018, which directed forfeiture of the defendant Willie Bernard Smith's interest in a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, bearing vehicle identification number 2G1FE1E3XC9200519 ("Camaro").
William Matzkow ("Mr. Matzkow") and Christie Folds ("Ms. Folds") filed third party petitions (doc. nos. 83 & 111) claiming ownership and right of possession to the Camaro.
On May 22, 2019, the court held an ancillary hearing to resolve the third-party petitions. Ms. Folds, defendant Smith, and counsel for the United States attended the hearing. Mr. Matzkow did not appear. During the hearing, the government made an oral motion to dismiss Matzkow's claim and thereafter filed a written motion requesting the same.
The government renewed its motion to dismiss Mr. Matzkow's claim on December 20, 2019.
On February 11, 2020, United States Magistrate Judge Susan R. Walker submitted a report and recommendation (doc. no. 130) that the government's motion to dismiss the third-party claim of William Matzkow be granted, and that William Matzkow's claim be dismissed without prejudice due to his failure to prosecute his claim and to comply with the court's orders.
On March 17, 2020, this court entered an opinion and order (doc. no. 131) adopting United States Magistrate Walker's recommendation, granting the government's motions to dismiss, and dismissing William Matzkow's claim without prejudice for failure to prosecute.
The government has acknowledged the ownership rights of Ms. Folds and agrees that the Camaro will be returned to her by and through the United States Marshals Service, Middle District of Alabama, Montgomery, Alabama.
Thus, the third-party petitions are resolved.
Accordingly, it is ORDERED that the government's motion to amend the preliminary order of forfeiture (doc. no. 132) is granted as follows:
1.
2. The clerk of the court shall forward two certified copies of this order to the United States Attorney's Office.