Since it's government, they'd probably spend more money trying to sell stuff than they'd recoup from the sales, especially on small stuff. Besides, a convict may own that couch jointly with a non-convict spouse/whomever. As for repaying the government their expenses, I think most punishments for serious crimes can include a fine. That would cover you. I was on a jury that sent a guy to jail for 20 years for child rape. We also had the option of fining him up to $5,000. We ultimately did not levy one because he was destitute and we didn't want to put a burden on his family members.
