United States v. $273,969.04 U.S. Currency

Claimant Regina Puzo appeals summary judgment in favor of the United States in its civil, suit seeking forfeiture of $273,969.04 in currency pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 5317, and *464four pieces of jewelry valued at $117,500.00 pursuant to 19 U.S.C. § 1497. Puzo contends the forfeitures violate the Double Jeopardy Clause and the Excessive Fines Clause. We affirm the district court’s holding that neither forfeiture violates the Double Jeopardy Clause. We vacate the district court’s holding that the currency forfeiture under § 5317 does not violate the Excessive Fines Clause and remand. We affirm the…