ANDREW J. GUILFORD, District Judge.
Plaintiff United States of America (the "government") and claimant Western Union Financial Services, Inc. ("Western Union"), have entered into a stipulated request for the entry of this consent judgment of forfeiture. Pursuant to the stipulated request, this consent judgment (A) resolves all claims involving the defendants ($510,426.70 in U.S. Currency; $109,919.98 in U.S. Currency; $11,480.00 in U.S. Currency; 82 Western Union Checks; and 24 Western Union Checks (collectively, the "defendant assets")); and (B) is not to be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing by Western Union.
On July 7, 2011, the government initiated this action and provided direct and publication notice as required by law.
On July 19, 2011, Western Union filed a verified claim to the defendant assets and, on August 8, 2011, an answer to the government's complaint. No other claims or answers were filed, and time for filing claims and answers has expired.
The Court has been duly advised of and has considered the matter. Notice has been given in accordance with the law. Based upon the mutual consent of the parties hereto and good cause appearing therefor, the Court hereby
Western Union has agreed to release the government and its agencies, agents, and officers, including employees and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from any and all claims, actions or liabilities arising out of or related to the seizure and retention of the defendant assets and/or this civil forfeiture action, including, without limitation, any claim for attorneys' fees, costs or interest which may be asserted on behalf of the Western Union against the government, whether pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2465 or otherwise.
The Court finds that there was reasonable cause for the seizure of the defendant assets and the institution of this action. This consent judgment shall be construed as a certificate of reasonable cause pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2465.
Each of the parties shall bear its own fees and costs in connection with this action.