Federal Government Abandons Forfeiture of Three Homes Mother and Business Owner Received in Divorce

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee has agreed to dismiss its forfeiture action against Litson client Dayana Weffer (formerly Dayana Jerkins), a mother and business owner who faced the loss of three rental properties valued at approximately $877,000. The government’s supplemental response, filed on March 27, 2026, conceded that Weffer is a bona fide purchaser for value and is entitled to retain the properties.

The government sought forfeiture of the properties in connection with a criminal case against Weffer’s ex-husband, Jason Alexander Jerkins. Weffer divorced Jerkins before she learned of the criminal case against Jerkins. Weffer, who acquired the properties through her divorce settlement, relies on rental income from all three homes to support her family.  

Litson filed a petition on Weffer’s behalf, arguing that she qualified as a bona fide purchaser under federal criminal forfeiture law—a defense that rarely arises when property is transferred through divorce proceedings. Before the statutorily required ancillary hearing could even take place, the government agreed with Litson’s position and moved to cancel the April 10 hearing.

The government filed a Notice of Release of Lis Pendens and moved to transfer the government’s interest in the properties to Weffer, which the U.S. District Court granted on April 7, 2026.

“Ms. Weffer lawfully acquired these properties and supports her family with them,” said Litson partner Alex Little. “She was not involved in or even aware of her ex-husband’s crimes, and the government’s decision to abandon this forfeiture before the hearing even occurred is the right result.”

“When I received a letter in the mail that the federal government would be taking my properties from me, I was terrified,” said Weffer. “I was scared that my tenants would lose their homes, and my family would lose the rental income we rely on to support ourselves. I am extremely grateful to the Litson team for securing this victory for me and helping put this difficult chapter of my life behind me.”

The matter was handled by Litson PLLC attorneys Alex Little, Brent Hannafan, and Sloan Nickel, along with law clerk Ridwan Ahmed and co-counsel Francis King of the Law Office of Francis King.