Wisconsin residents who were the victim of a crime are being urged to check a state database of unclaimed property.
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and State Treasurer Kurt Schuller say there’s more than $2 million currently being held by the state that they believe is from restitution payments. Those payments are frequently ordered when someone is convicted of a crime, with the intention of helping victims make up for any losses or harm they suffered.
Van Hollen believes many crime victims just don’t know the money is out there though. When officials are unable to find them after those payments are made, the money is sent to the state treasurer’s office.
AUDIO: Attorney General Van Hollen (:14)
Van Hollen says anyone who was the victim of a crime should check that treasurer’s website to see if they are owed a payment. The database includes a list of other unclaimed property currently being held by the state.
The push comes as Wisconsin observes Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which includes a ceremony at the Capitol later today.