In Re Forfeiture of $15,232

Claimant Michael Rieckman appeals as of right from an order of forfeiture entered following a bench trial. We reverse.

At the trial resulting in the forfeiture of claimant’s money, the trial judge, over objection, allowed as evidence several hearsay statements inadmissible under the rules of evidence. The trial court’s ruling that hearsay is admissible in forfeiture proceedings was based on In re Forfeiture of One 1985 Mercedes Benz, 174 Mich App 203, 205; 435 NW2d 426 (1988), where a panel of this Court stated:

[FJederal courts have held that hearsay is admissible to prove probable cause in a…