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Washington DOC Pays Work Release Prisoner Back $3,660 Confiscated in Room Search

In January 2007, Washington state prisoner, Kenneth Lee, was housed at a work release facility in Seattle. During a search of his room, DOC staff discovered $3,600 in cash, which was confiscated because it exceeded the $60 cash limit allowed in a prisoner's possession according to policy. Lee was subsequently terminated from the work release program and returned to general population without a hearing or further disciplinary action in violation of Washington Administrative Code 137-56-180. Furthermore, he was later informed that his money had been donated to the "inmate welfare funds."

After months of non-action by DOC officials, Lee submitted a Tort Claim Form on July 19, 2007 in order to recover his money. Then, on December 24, 2007, almost a full year after the initial seizure, the State Treasurer reimbursed Lee in the amount of $3,660.

See: In re Lee, Tort Claim Form # 31061843.

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Related legal case

In re Lee