Forfeited assets from illegal gambling bust given to police

Monday, June 20, 2005 | 9:29 a.m.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A nine-year-old illegal gambling case has paid dividends for the Louisville police force.

Don Ford's conviction on illegal gambling and money laundering associated with a bingo hall he operated has generated nearly _$2 million in forfeited assets.

U.S. Attorney Dave Huber announced Friday that a final payment of $694,987.62 from Ford's ill-gotten gains has been cleared for disbursement. The Louisville Metro Police Department will receive $526,447.69 of that total. The U.S. Treasury gets the rest.

"The timing could not be better," Chief Robert White said at a news conference to announce the final payment. White said he hopes the money will help buy a new department helicopter.

Louisville Police were eligible for a significant amount of the money because it initiated the criminal investigation that led to Ford's conviction on federal charges.

In all, the government seized $889,226.30 in cash and bank accounts and more than $1 million in other assets, including Ford's Arcade Plaza Bingo Hall.