Judge Denies Fitch Claim to Confiscated Money

A judge in Dakota County has ruled against convicted cop killer Brian Fitch’s claim to recover nearly $3,000 that was confiscated at the time of his arrest. Because the appeal of his conviction is still pending, District Judge Karen Asphaug said it was too soon to decide whether Fitch has a legitimate claim to the money. Fitch’s attorneys argued that because police did not file a timely notice of forfeiture, the money should be returned. Asphaug said the state can continue to hold the cash as evidence until his appeals are exhausted, at which time Fitch can make a bid to reclaim the money. However, prosecutors say that when all is said and done, Fitch will owe far more than $3,000 in restitution. Fitch was convicted in February of fatally shooting Mendota Heights officer Scott Patrick last summer during a West St. Paul traffic stop.
   

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