10 U.S.C. § 8859: Libel and proceedings by United States attorney

(a) Upon receiving the report of the prize master directed by section 8858 of this title, the United States attorney for the district shall promptly—(1) file a libel against the prize property; (2) obtain a warrant from the court directing the marshal to take custody of the prize property; and (3) proceed to obtain a condemnation of the property. (b) In connection with the condemnation proceedings the United States attorney shall insure that the prize commissioners—(1) take proper preparatory evidence; and (2) take depositions de bene esse of the prize crew and of other transient persons who know any facts bearing on condemnation.