DEFAULT JUDGMENT OF FORFEITURE

TIMOTHY L. BROOKS, District Judge.

This matter comes before the Court on the Motion for Default Judgment of Forfeiture filed by the United States of America and, finding that the relief sought by such motion has merit and should be granted, the Court further finds and adjudicates as follows:

1. The Complaint for Forfeiture in Rem in this matter was filed on February 1, 2019, alleging that the Defendant Property should be forfeited to the United States of America pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 881(a)(6) as property that constitutes: 1) moneys, negotiable instruments, securities, or other things of value furnished or intended to be furnished by any person in exchange for a controlled substance or listed chemical in violation of the Controlled Substances Act; 2) proceeds traceable to such an exchange; or 3) moneys, negotiable instruments, and securities used or intended to be used to facilitate any violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

2. Christopher Ramirez, Rita Ramirez, and Megan Wingett, the only known potential claimants, were sent notice pursuant to Rule G(4)(b)(i) of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Actions by certified mail to their last known addresses (Docs. 5, 6 & 7).

3. The notices, sent certified/return-receipt requested, informed Christopher Ramirez, Rita Ramirez, and Megan Wingett that the Defendant Property had been arrested, that this civil forfeiture action was pending, and that they had at least 35 days from the date the notice was sent to file a verified claim and 21 days to file an answer after filing the claim. Further, for guidance in the preparation of filing a claim and answer, the notice referred these persons to Rule G(5) of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Actions and warned that if this Rule were not followed, a default judgment of forfeiture would be rendered.

4. Additionally, in an effort to notify all unknown claimants of these proceedings, notice of this civil forfeiture action against the Defendant Property was published for 30 consecutive days on an official Government internet site (www.forfeiture.gov) beginning on February 5, 2019, as evidenced by the Proof of Publication filed with this Court on March 7, 2019. (Doc. 12).

5. The United States of America took all reasonable measures to ensure that Christopher Ramirez, Rita Ramirez, Megan Wingett, and any other possible claimant received such notice in a timely fashion. To this date, however, no person or entity has filed a verified claim contesting the forfeiture. Therefore, all possible claimants have been noticed and have failed to appear or otherwise defend their interests. The United States of America is entitled to a judgment of forfeiture without the necessity of any further notice to any other person or entity.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED AS FOLLOWS:

A. The United States of America is hereby given a judgment of forfeiture against the Defendant Property, $24,990.00 in United States Currency, and against the interest therein of Christopher Ramirez, Rita Ramirez, and Megan Wingett, and any and all persons or entities having or claiming an interest in the Defendant Property;

B. Title to the Defendant Property is hereby vested in the United States of America, and any administrative claims or interests therein of any persons or entities, including Christopher Ramirez, Rita Ramirez, and Megan Wingett, are hereby cancelled; and

C. The Defendant Property is referred to the custody of the United States Marshal's Service for disposition in accordance with all laws and regulations.

IT IS SO ORDERED.