Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research
Action filed for forfeiture of $19,055 in U.S. currency.
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Serve Your Defense
Send your written defense to Brian A. Iten within 20 days of the last publication.
File with the Court
File the original defense with the Clerk of the Court immediately after serving.
Contact Legal Aid
If you need help, reach out to Gulfcoast Legal Services at (941) 746-6151.
Request Accommodations
If you need assistance, contact the Manatee County Jury Office at least 7 days before court.
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NOTICE OF ACTION FOR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2025 CA 002962 AX Agency Case No.: 2025-022264 IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: NINETEEN THOUSAND FIFTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($19,055.00) IN U.S. CURRENCY TO: RACHEL ANN MERKEL, Last Known Residence: 2529 River Preserve Ct., Bradenton, FL 34208: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act has been filed by Petitioner, Manatee County Sheriffs Office. On December 5, 2025, in Bradenton, Mantee County, the Manatee County Sheriffs office seized and holds the above-captioned property. A Complaint for forfeiture has been filed against you in the Circuit Court in Manatee County, Florida, for the purpose of obtaining a Final Order of Forfeiture as to the above-described property upon producing due proof that same was used in violation of the Florida laws dealing with contraband, pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, Sections 932.701-704, Florida Statutes (2025). You are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, to Brian A. Iten, General Counsel, Manatee County Sheriffs Office, at the address of 600 Hwy. 301 Blvd. W., Ste. 202, Bradenton, FL 34205 within 20 days after last publication of this Notice, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Petitioners attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Dated February 6, 2026. /s/ Brian A. Iten, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0012051, General Counsel, Manatee County Sheriffs Office. Email: brian.iten@manateesheriffcom, legal@manateesheriff.com, 600 US Hwy 301 Blvd. West, Ste. 202, Bradenton, FL 34205. Telephone: (941) 747-3011 x2950. In and for Manatee County: If you cannot afford an attorney, contact Gulfcoast Legal Services at (941) 746-6151 or www.gulfcoastlegal.org, or Legal Aid of Manasota at (941) 747-1628 or www.legalaidofmanasota.org. If you do not qualify for free legal assistance or do not know an attorney, you may email an attorney referral service (listed in the phone book) or contact the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 342-8011. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Manatee County Jury Office, P.O. Box 25400, Bradenton, Florida 34206, (941) 741-4062, at least seven (7) days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven (7) days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. DATED: 2/17/2026 ANGELINA COLONNESO, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA 1115 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 BY: (SEAL) K. Gaffney Deputy Clerk February 20, 27, 2026 26-00288M
