ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Attorney Ken Gonzales says federal prosecutors in New Mexico collected nearly $9 million in fiscal 2012 for victims in criminal and civil cases.

Gonzales says the District of New Mexico collected $8.7 million related to criminal and civil actions. Additionally, he says, the office collected $1.1 million in criminal and civil forfeitures.

Gonzales says the collections are more important than ever during these tough economic times.

Federal law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. Restitution is paid directly to the victim, while criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department's Crime Victims' Fund. That money goes to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.