# Justice Manual § 9-61.400: Fencing—Prosecution Policy

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.400

## Section

- **Citation:** Justice Manual § 9-61.400
- **Heading:** Fencing—Prosecution Policy
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DOJ Justice Manual / Title 9: Criminal / 9-61.000 - Crimes Involving Property / Justice Manual § 9-61.400

## Text

Unless there exists a special need, priority should be given to the prosecution of fences as opposed to the prosecution of thieves. For purposes of this subchapter, "fences" are defined as those who are alleged to have assisted in finding or dealing with more than one buyer for stolen property. Highest priority should be given to the prosecution of fences who operate legitimate businesses and sell stolen property to the public.

When preparing indictments against subjects involved in the redistribution of stolen property particular attention should be given to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. §§ 659, 2312, 2313, 2314, 2315, 2321, and the RICO statute (18 U.S.C. § 1961
et seq.
) where the fence operates through a legitimate business.

[updated January 2020]

## Nearby sections

- [Justice Manual § 9-61.010 Introduction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.010.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.100 Motor Vehicle and Aircraft Theft—18 U.S.C. § § 2311-2313](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.100.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.111 Motor Vehicle and Aircraft Theft—Prosecution Policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.111.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.112 Motor Vehicle and Aircraft Theft—Prosecution Policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.112.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.113 Motor Vehicle and Aircraft Theft—Prosecution Policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.113.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.114 Motor Vehicle and Aircraft Theft—Notification Requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.114.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.200 National Stolen Property Act—18 U.S.C. §  2311, 2314, and 2315](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.200.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.210 National Stolen Property Act—Prosecution Policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.210.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.244 National Stolen Property Act—Securities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.244.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.300 Theft From Interstate Shipment—18 U.S.C. §  659](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.300.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.400 Fencing—Prosecution Policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.400.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.500 Counterfeiting and Forging of State and Corporate Securities—18 U.S.C. § 513](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.500.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.510 Counterfeiting and Forging Securities—Prosecution Policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.510.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-61.600 Bank Robbery and Bank Larceny—18 U.S.C. 2113](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.600.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-61.400. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.