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PORTLAND, OR – Federal prosecutors in Oregon collected more than $20.2 million in criminal and civil cases during the 2025 fiscal year, money that will go toward paying back victims and supporting law enforcement efforts, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford said Thursday.
Nearly $15 million came from criminal cases, while more than $5.2 million was collected through civil actions, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Funds taken from people convicted of crimes can be used to repay victims and for other justice-related purposes.
Bradford said the office’s work focuses on taking money and property from people who profited from crimes and using it to help those harmed.
“We take seriously our duty to make victims as financially whole as possible,” Bradford said in a statement. “These numbers show the persistence and dedication of our team.”
One case involved Sergey and Galina Lebedenko, who prosecutors said used money from a fraud scheme to buy 14 homes and properties, seven vehicles, a share of a private jet and other luxury items. The couple pleaded guilty to fraud and money-related crimes and were ordered to pay more than $33 million back to the victim. So far, the government has recovered more than $4.5 million by taking and selling property and by collecting money from 19 financial accounts.
In another case, Michael James Defrees was ordered to pay $1.346 million after being convicted of fraud and related crimes. He agreed to pay before sentencing but did not. Federal authorities later seized three vehicles, winter sports equipment, a racing boat and a trailer, and helped sell two pieces of real estate to fully repay the amount owed.
Federal law requires people convicted of certain crimes to repay victims who suffered financial loss or physical injury. Money collected as restitution goes directly to victims. Other payments, such as fines, are sent to a national fund that supports victim compensation and assistance programs at the state and federal levels.
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Tim Lantz
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