Deal struck over seized silver in eastern Indiana

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - Over a year after authorities searched a property in eastern Indiana and seized more than 450 silver bars, those assets have been liquidated, and the $345,000 raised has been divided.

Authorities found the silver while searching James Reynolds' property in Muncie for human remains in 2015. Delaware County filed a forfeiture lawsuit last May seeking ownership of the bars.

The Star Press (http://tspne.ws/2p0YleX ) reported the deal gives Reynolds' relatives who now own the land almost $14,500, and almost $49,000 was placed in a trust fund for their children.

The prosecutor's office and the Muncie Police Department each received almost $94,000. The money will be used for officer training, victim assistance and office equipment. The deal said that "expenses incurred in criminal investigations," and programs "intended to reduce or prevent criminal activity" are also eligible for funding.

The agreement said the investigation cost the prosecutor's office and the police department nearly $190,000.

The property search was prompted when an informant told police that Reynolds had fatally shot an associate and allegedly buried him somewhere on the 140 acres of his property. No remains were found during the three-day search.

Court documents show that Reynolds, who died in Panama in 2012, was suspected of operating a marijuana distribution empire. Property alleged to be tied to criminal activity can be seized to pay for law enforcement expenses in forfeiture actions.

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Information from: The Star Press, http://www.thestarpress.com