New Orleans, Louisiana (Atlanta News First/InvestigateTV) – The COVID-19 pandemic not only took away the shoe-shine man’s job but also led to the government confiscating his hard-earned life savings.
Kermit Warren, reflecting on his ordeal, expressed, “Everything I have is from blood, sweat, and tears. It was just ‘see cash, seize cash.’”
Initially employed in downtown New Orleans, Warren faced financial challenges when the pandemic struck. In a bid to find alternative sources of income, he and his son ventured into the towing and salvage industry.
Their attempt to purchase a used tow truck in Ohio took an unexpected turn. Warren recounted, “I decided I’m not going to get this vehicle. We’re going to go to the airport and fly back to New Orleans. I notified the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) lady that I was traveling with a large amount of money.”
Despite following the necessary protocols for domestic travel with cash, Warren’s situation escalated when TSA officials alerted task force officers about the substantial sum he was carrying along with a New Orleans Police badge.
Subsequently, DEA agents confronted Warren and his son at the boarding gate, dressed inconspicuously until they revealed their badges. Warren, feeling anxious, presented his son’s police badge in a bid to clarify his family’s law enforcement background.
However, the situation took a turn when the DEA accused Warren of impersonating a retired police officer, a claim he vehemently denied. Despite not facing formal charges, the agents seized the $28,000 from Warren, casting doubt on the intended purpose of the funds.
With the assistance of legal counsel, Warren contested the forfeiture, providing evidence of his legitimate intentions to purchase the tow truck. Eventually, federal prosecutors dismissed the case, acknowledging Warren’s innocence and returning the seized funds in full.
Empowered by this victory, Warren resumed his pursuit of entrepreneurship by acquiring another tow truck to restart his business. Despite his personal triumph, Warren remains steadfast in advocating against unjust civil asset forfeiture practices, determined to prevent others from enduring similar ordeals.
As the DEA evaded inquiries and requests for transparency, Atlanta News First Investigates persisted in seeking accountability through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Despite initial resistance, the pursuit of crucial data on racial demographics in DEA encounters continues to shed light on potential disparities in law enforcement practices.
This ongoing investigative report by Atlanta News First underscores the importance of upholding civil liberties and challenging systemic injustices.
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