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Oklahoma Troopers To Seize Money From Bank Accounts

• KFSM news

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is using a new device that enables them to seize money in your bank account.

Last month, the OHP started using 16 ERADs, or Electronic Recovery and Access to Data machine, reported News on 9.

The process of seizing money electronically works similar to civil asset forfeiture, where police can seize property or cash if they believe it is connected to a crime. They can do this without a warrant or arrest, and they don't have to prove a crime was committed first.

If a trooper suspects you have money tied to a crime, the highway patrol can use the ERAD to scan any cards you have and seize the money.

"We're gonna look for different factors in the way that you're acting," Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. John Vincent told News on 9. "We're gonna look for if there's a difference in your story. If there's someway that we can prove that you're falsifying information to us about your business."

Once someone's money is seized, it is up to them to prove that the money is not connected to the crime.

"If you can prove can prove that you have a legitimate reason to have that money, it will be given back to you," Vincent said. "And we've done that in the past."

However, State Sen. Kyle Loveless, R-Oklahoma City, told News on 9 that the ability to seize money like that removes due process and the belief that a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

He said he has already seen instances where police have abused the system, so he is planning on introducing legislation to change it.

Thank you Oklahoma for giving people one more reason to move their money to Bitcoin.

www.universityofreason.com/a/29887/KWADzukm