A former operator of a defunct Austintown addiction recovery center is asking a federal judge to order the government not only to return more than $600,000 seized during an investigation but also to bar future attempts to seize the funds.

Sebastian Rucci, the former operator of California Palms Addiction Recovery Campus, filed a motion in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, seeking to force the government to return the seized bank accounts with interest and to prevent future forfeiture attempts.

The case stems from the seizure of $603,902.82 from the business's bank accounts in October 2021, following the termination of California Palms' certification as a treatment center by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

While government attorneys have proposed returning the seized funds with interest, they have also asked the court to dismiss the case "without prejudice," allowing for potential future legal action. Rucci, however, argues that the case should be dismissed "with prejudice," permanently barring the government from seeking forfeiture of the funds.

The U.S. Attorney's Office had initially sought to keep the seized funds, claiming they were fraudulently collected through Medicaid. However, on Tuesday, the office announced that it would dismiss its claim after consulting with investigating law enforcement agents.

No criminal charges were ever filed in connection with the investigation.