The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office has committed $12,000 in criminal forfeiture proceeds to support justice-involved veterans participating in the Sixth Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court.
The funds will allow local participants to attend the Challenge America Music Therapy Retreat, a program led by a board-certified music therapist that helps veterans connect through music and cope with post-traumatic stress and military sexual trauma.
The donation comes from proceeds collected through criminal property forfeiture. Under Minnesota law, courts may order property forfeited if it was involved in certain crimes. As the prosecuting authority, the County Attorney’s Office receives a share of the proceeds, which may be used to fund community initiatives that align with its mission.
“The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office is pleased to use the proceeds of criminal activity to further the healing of our justice-involved veterans,” County Attorney Kim Maki said in a statement. “This initiative represents a full-circle investment in justice — turning criminal proceeds into treatment for our veterans to help them rebuild their lives. These veterans have faced accountability through prosecution and the justice system. Now, we have the opportunity to support their recovery.”
Challenge America, launched in 2009 by honorary co-founders Amy Grant and Vince Gill, connects veterans nationwide through music and healing. The program has drawn support from celebrities including Fred Funk, Alison Krauss, Michael McDonald, Darius Rucker, Mac McAnally, Melinda Doolittle, Stephen Mansfield, Warren Miller, Robert Redford, Dennis Watson, Loren Roberts and Bernhard Langer, and has been featured on national platforms such as NBC’s Today Show and Hulu.
