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| Highlights - 2005 Archive |
Indictments Issued for Embezzlement, Forgery, Computer Fraud, and Theft in Connection with Health Care
An individual was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Missouri on five counts, including one count of Embezzlement of public money; three counts of Computer Fraud; and one count of Theft in Connection with Health Care. According to court documents, Carolyn Harris was an employee of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and, during her employment with the IRS, did knowingly and willfully embezzle, steal, purloin and convert to her use or the use of another, money and things of value of the United States, being seven Treasury Checks, totaling over $22,000. A second individual, Arthur Shelton, was also indicted in connection with the scheme. Shelton allegedly received, retained and concealed the seven United States Treasury checks, which he received from Harris, knowing that the checks were stolen.
Harris allegedly used her position to access information, on three occasions, from a government computer without authorization and in excess of her authorized access and also willfully embezzled, stole and otherwise without authority converted and misapplied moneys and funds in excess of $100 of a health care benefit program. Harris allegedly requested that her health insurance carrier under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program add Shelton to her policy as her spouse, when in fact he was not her spouse. As a result, multiple claims totaling over $2,600 were filed resulting in payment of over $1,000 by the health care organization to the providers of those services.
Individual Indicted for Theft of Government Property and Embezzlement by a Bank Employee
Tiffany Rene Williams was arrested by TIGTA agents and indicted in the Northern District of Texas in December 2005 for Theft of Government Property and Embezzlement by a Bank Employee. According to the indictment, Williams did willfully and knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin and convert property of the United States, an IRS tax remittance check in the amount of $31,336. The indictment requires, upon conviction, the forfeiture of any property that constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to the offense.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee sentenced for conspiracy to embezzle
A former IRS employee was sentenced, in the Western District of Tennessee, to 2 years of probation and restitution in the amount of $16,421.89 in November 2005. The sentence is the result of a guilty plea to a charge of conspiracy to embezzle. According to court documents, the IRS employee and a co-conspirator stole over $14,000 of IRS money for personal gain and benefit. The IRS employee and co-conspirator opened a joint checking account in which they deposited $11,575 and withdrew $6,200 from the account.
Individual Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Property
An individual pled guilty to Theft of Government Property, in November 2005, in the Western District of Missouri. According to the plea agreement, the individual is the brother of a co-defendant who was employed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The individual knew that his sibling worked for the Internal Revenue Service. On several occasions, he received checks or money orders from the co-defendant and deposited them into his bank account. The checks and money orders were originally payable to IRS. The individual kept some of the money himself and gave some of the money back to the IRS employee. At the time he deposited or cashed the checks or money orders, he knew that they were stolen and that neither he nor the co-defendant was entitled to the proceeds of the checks or money orders. The total amount of checks or money orders which were deposited or cashed was approximately $19,301.43.
Individual Found Guilty of False Personation
An individual entered a guilty plea in November 2005 to one count of False Personation in the Middle District of Alabama. According to the plea agreement, the individual falsely assumed and pretended to be an agent of the Internal Revenue Service, and in such assumed and pretended character, with intent to defraud, did falsely demand and obtain a thing of value, approximately $10,000, on behalf of the United States.
Individual Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Property
An individual was found guilty of Theft of Government Property in the Western District of Missouri, in November 2005. According to the plea agreement, on several occasions the individual received checks or money orders from an accomplice, who was employed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and deposited them into his bank account. The checks and money orders were originally payable to IRS, but the payee had been changed on the face of the checks or money orders. At the time he deposited or cashed the checks and money orders, he knew that they were stolen and that neither he nor the IRS employee was entitled to the proceeds of the checks or money orders. The total amount of checks or money orders deposited or cashed was approximately $7,363.90.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Sentenced for Fraud in Connection with Computers
A former IRS employee was sentenced in the Eastern District of California for fraud and related activity in connection with computers. The former employee was sentenced in November 2005 to 50 hours of community service, a $500 fine and was placed on 12 months probation. According to the plea agreement, the former IRS employee exceeded her authorization to access an IRS computer by obtaining the tax information of her tax preparer.
Individual Arrested for Bank Fraud; Receiving and Concealing Stolen Government Property; and Money Laundering
An individual was arrested and charged, via indictment in the Northern District of Texas, with Bank Fraud; Receiving and Concealing Stolen Government Property; and Money Laundering. The arrest was executed in November 2005. According to the indictment, the individual received a stolen tax remittance check in the amount of $10,500 and then deposited the check into a bank account she had opened with the intent to convert the money to her own use.
Individual Charged with Falsely Assuming to be an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee.
An individual was charged, via indictment, with five counts of falsely assuming and pretending to be an officer or employee acting under the authority of the United States. The indictment was issued in the Southern District of Texas, in October 2005.
Former IRS Employee Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Access to Computer
A former IRS employee pled guilty in the Eastern District of California to one count of Unauthorized Access to Computer, in October 2005. According to the plea agreement, the former IRS employee knowingly accessed tax information of neighbors without authorization. The former employee was sentenced to 12 months probation, a $500.00 fine, and 75 hours of unpaid community service.
Former IRS Employee Enters Guilty Plea for Unauthorized Access to Computer.
A former IRS employee pled guilty to one count of Unauthorized Access to Computer, in California. The plea was entered in October 2005. According to the guilty plea, the former employee intentionally accessed private taxpayer information that exceeded her authorized access, while employed at the IRS.
Individual charged with Unauthorized Access to IRS Computer
An individual was charged with knowingly and intentionally accessing a computer without authorization and exceeding authorized access, and thereby obtaining taxpayer information for purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain. The charges were filed, via information, in the Eastern District of New York, in October 2005.
Former Internal Revenue Service Employee Arrested for Unauthorized Access to Tax Information
A former IRS employee was arrested in Tennessee, and through indictment, was charged with intentionally exceeding authorized access of a computer, thereby obtaining information from a department and agency of the United States, and related identity theft. The arrest was executed in October 2005. The former employee is alleged to have illegally obtained the name and social security number of a taxpayer, while employed by the IRS, and to have then used that information with the intent to commit a felony.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee indicted for unauthorized access and inspection of tax returns and tax information
A former IRS employee was indicted, in North Carolina, for intentionally exceeding her authorized computer access and obtaining information from the IRS; and willfully and without authorization inspecting tax returns and tax information. The indictment was issued in September along with a summons to appear before the United States District Court. Court documents allege the former employee used her position with the IRS to access and inspect the taxpayer accounts of two taxpayers on five occasions.
Individual Sentenced for Impersonating an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee
An individual was sentenced, in September 2005, to five years probation and ordered to pay $6,472.50 in restitution, in the District of Oregon. The sentence is the result of a guilty plea to one count of false personation. According to the Plea Agreement, the individual pretended to be an IRS employee and obtained money and other things of value of $6,472.50.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee charged with Embezzlement of Public Money.
An IRS Customer Service Representative was charged in September 2005 with Embezzlement of Public Money. In an information filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the employee is alleged to have embezzled, stolen and knowingly converted to her own use a thing of value (cash) of the United States in the sum of approximately $5,984. The cash was received from an individual taxpayer for a tax liability that was due and owing to the IRS, which cash came into the possession and under the care of the employee by virtue of her employment with the IRS.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography
A former IRS employee was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. The sentencing took place in September 2005 in Texas. According to the Indictment, the IRS employee knowingly possessed, in a building used and controlled by the United States Government, a computer hard drive that contained more than 600 images of child pornography.
IRS Employee Arrested for Making False Claims against the Government
An IRS employee was arrested, in September 2005, as the result of an indictment in the Eastern District of Kentucky. The indictment alleges that, on two occasions, the employee made claims upon and against the United States for travel reimbursement expenses knowing that the claims were false. The indictment also charges the employee with 27 counts of knowingly and willfully making false, fraudulent, and fictitious statements.
IRS Employee Arrested for Making False Claims against the Government for Hurricane Katrina Relief
An IRS employee was arrested, in September 2005, as the result of an indictment in the Southern District of Texas. The indictment alleges that the employee made a material claim against and upon the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits, knowing that the claim was false, fictitious, and fraudulent. In addition, the indictment alleges that the employee did knowingly and willfully make false, fraudulent, and fictitious material statements and representations relating to having an essential need for food, shelter, and clothing due to Hurricane Katrina.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Sentenced for Wire Fraud Involving Theft of a Tax Refund
A former IRS employee was sentenced in September 2005 for wire fraud and false statements. The sentencing occurred in Tennessee. According to court documents, the IRS employee caused $4,575 of a tax refund owed to a taxpayer to be wire transferred into a credit association account she maintained. The IRS employee also falsely stated to her supervisor that she was recuperating from surgery when she knew she was serving a sentence in a county prison. The former IRS employee was sentenced to 6 months home confinement, 3 years probation, and was ordered to pay restitution of $4,575.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Sentenced for Theft of Public Money.
A former IRS employee pled guilty in September 2005 to theft of public money. The plea was made in California. According to the Plea Agreement, the former IRS employee altered her time sheets to reflect falsely that she had been present at work, when she had neither worked nor used leave time. The IRS disbursed pay to her for the falsely reported hours
Individual Sentenced for Theft of Government Property
An individual was sentenced in September 2005 for theft of Federal government property. The sentencing took place in Hawaii. According to the Information, the individual stole approximately $10,500 of U.S. Treasury Funds and converted them to her own use. The individual was sentenced to 3 years probation and over $10,000 in restitution.
Individual Indicted for Corrupt Interference with Internal Revenue Laws
An individual was indicted in September 2005 for corrupt interference of Internal Revenue laws and fraud and false statements in a tax return matter. The charges were filed in Texas. According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly filed false Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Forms 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business (Form 8300), with the IRS as a means of retaliating and harassing public officials and employees of a Texas city. The individual allegedly falsely reported on six Forms 8300 that the public officials and employees engaged in suspicious transactions by making large money order transactions, totaling over $250 billion, on his behalf.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Sentenced for False Claims on Travel Vouchers
An IRS employee was sentenced in September 2005 for false demands against the United States. The sentencing occurred in Utah. According to court documents, the IRS employee knowingly submitted travel vouchers to the IRS claiming to be entitled to reimbursement for expenses, when she did not incur the claimed expenses and was not entitled to reimbursement. The IRS employee was sentenced to 12 months probation and was ordered to maintain full-time employment or participate in academic or vocational development, maintain her current residence, and inform any employer or prospective employer of her current conviction and supervision status. The IRS employee was also ordered to pay the IRS over $600 in restitution and was fined $250.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Found Guilty for Making False Statements to the IRS
A former IRS employee was found guilty in Wisconsin for making false representations to the IRS in August 2005. According to the Indictment, the former IRS employee falsely reported to the IRS on two occasions that he worked when in fact he did not work.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of IRS Property
A former IRS employee pled guilty in California to theft of United States government property and aiding and abetting in September 2005. According to the Plea Agreement, the former IRS employee admitted to stealing numerous items from an IRS warehouse, knowing the property belonged to the United States. The Plea Agreement further states that many of the stolen items, including electronic equipment and furniture, were found at the employee's residence.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Indicted for Theft of Tax Remittances
A former IRS employee was indicted in Missouri for conspiracy, theft of United States government money, and aiding and abetting in August 2005. According to the Indictment, the former IRS employee allegedly stole approximately 62 checks and money orders, totaling over $41,600, that were sent to the IRS by taxpayers for payment of federal income taxes. The former IRS employee also allegedly altered and caused to be altered the payee name on the checks and money orders so that she and co-conspirators could cash and convert the proceeds to their own use.
Individual Charged with Misusing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Name
An individual was charged, on August 8, 2005, in the Southern District of Mississippi with misusing the IRS name. According to the Criminal Complaint, the individual allegedly used the words, “Department of Treasury, IRS Appeals Office”, in connection with a mortgage loan application, giving the false impression that the business activity was approved by the Department of Treasury. The individual allegedly sent a document that was purported to be a genuine IRS decision letter, authorizing the individual to apply for a mortgage for a property despite the existence of a federal tax lien on the property.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Data Transcriber sentenced for stealing over $350,000 in tax refunds
On August 3, 2005, a former IRS employee was sentenced in the Western District of Tennessee for conspiracy, wire fraud, theft of Federal Government money, money laundering, and false representation of a Social Security Number. According to court documents, the former IRS employee stole tax refunds by routing the refunds to bank accounts controlled by her, another IRS employee, and co-conspirators. The former IRS employee diverted over $350,000 and attempted to divert an additional $154,949 in tax refunds. The former IRS employee was sentenced to 70 months in prison and 2 years? probation and was ordered to pay more than $363,000 in restitution.
Former IRS employee pleads guilty to fraud in connection with computers
On August 17, 2005, a former IRS employee pled guilty in the Eastern District of California to fraud and related activity in connection with computers. According to the Plea Agreement, the former IRS employee exceeded her authorization to access an IRS computer by obtaining the tax information of her tax preparer.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Steal U.S. Government Money
On August 1, 2005, a former IRS employee pled guilty in the Western District of Tennessee to conspiracy. According to court documents, the IRS employee and a co-conspirator stole over $14,000 of IRS money for personal gain and benefit. The IRS employee and co-conspirator opened a joint checking account in which they deposited $11,575 and withdrew $6,200 from the account.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Examining Assistant Sentenced for Unauthorized Disclosure of Tax Information
On July 29, 2005, a former IRS employee was sentenced in the Eastern District of Wisconsin for unauthorized disclosure of returns and return information. According to the Plea Agreement, the former IRS employee willfully disclosed returns and return information of individuals, including their names, addresses, and Social Security Numbers. The former IRS employee disclosed the information to her daughter to assist her daughter in successfully locating the owner of unclaimed property, with whom her daughter eventually entered into a contingent fee agreement. The former IRS employee was sentenced to 30 days in prison, 3 years probation, and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
Individual Arrested for Threatening to Bomb the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
On July 16, 2005, an individual was arrested in the Southern District of Florida for impeding and interfering with a Federal government employee in the performance of official duties. According to the Criminal Complaint, the individual allegedly contacted the IRS and spoke with an IRS collection representative about his 1998 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Form 1040). During the conversation, the individual allegedly became upset and threatened to bomb the IRS.
Individual Arrested for Theft of Tax Remittances Involving an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Lockbox
On July 19, 2005, an individual was arrested in the Northern District of Texas for unlawfully receiving, concealing, and retaining stolen property of the United States. According to the Criminal Complaint, the individual allegedly deposited two tax remittance checks, totaling $58,390, into two different bank accounts she opened at the same bank. The tax remittance checks were allegedly mailed to the IRS Dallas lockbox by taxpayers.
Three Individuals Arrested for a Fraudulent Scheme Involving an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Lockbox
On July 14 and 25, 2005, two individuals were arrested in the Northern District of Texas for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. On July 14, 2005, a third individual was arrested in the Northern District of Texas for theft of government property. According to the Criminal Complaints, the individual arrested for theft of government property allegedly deposited a $20,000 check into a bank account he opened. The check was allegedly mailed by a taxpayer to the IRS Dallas lockbox as a tax payment. Another tax remittance check, totaling $42,030, was allegedly mailed to the same IRS lockbox and was deposited into a fraudulent bank account by one of the individuals arrested for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. In furtherance of the fraudulent scheme, a $15,800 counterfeit check was allegedly created and drawn on the same bank account as the tax remittance check and was deposited into the fraudulent bank account by an unknown individual. The two individuals arrested on July 14 then allegedly cashed checks totaling $44,595 that were written on the fraudulent bank account.
Individual Sentenced for Bank Fraud Involving a Stolen Tax Remittance Check
On July 11, 2005, an individual was sentenced in the Central District of California for bank fraud. According to the Plea Agreement, the individual deposited a stolen taxpayer remittance check totaling $57,210. The check was altered to change the payee information, and the individual deposited it into a bank account opened in his name. The individual then withdrew $19,306 of the funds for his personal use. The individual was sentenced to 6 months in prison, 5 years supervised release, and was ordered to pay $19,306 in restitution.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Acts of Revenue Officers
On July 7, 2005, a former IRS employee pled guilty in the Eastern District of Michigan to unlawful acts of revenue officers. According to the Plea Agreement, the former IRS employee was assigned a collection investigation pertaining to a corporation and knowingly received a fee or reward for the performance of a duty. The President of the corporation gave the former IRS employee gifts, including checks totaling $18,665 which were used for personal expenses and to purchase a Jeep.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Sentenced for Preparing False Levy Releases
On June 30, 2005, a former IRS employee was sentenced in the Northern District of Georgia for making and delivering a false writing. According to the Superseding Information, the former IRS employee, while employed by the IRS, prepared and delivered false Release of Levy/Release of Property forms (Form 668-D). The Forms 668-D were purportedly from the IRS to release a levy on the wages, salary and other income owed or payable to her father. The former IRS employee was sentenced to 5 months home confinement, 1 year probation, and 100 hours of community service.
Individual Sentenced for Impersonating an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee
On June 24, 2005, an individual was sentenced in the District of Colorado for impersonating an IRS employee. According to the Information, the individual obtained money from four individuals by falsely assuming and pretending to be an IRS employee. The individual was sentenced to 36 months in prison, 1 year supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution of $860 to the victims.
Individual Arrested for Threatening to Murder Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employees
On July 1, 2005, an individual was arrested in the District of Oregon for threatening to assault and murder federal law enforcement officers and IRS employees. According to the Criminal Complaint, the individual allegedly contacted the IRS to discuss his tax issues and threatened to “put to death” any messenger, law enforcement agent, or agency of the IRS who touched his property or accounts. The individual also allegedly stated that an IRS employee who previously audited his tax returns "needs to be dead."
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Data Transcriber Sentenced for Stealing Over $350,000 in Tax Refunds
On June 21, 2005, a former IRS employee was sentenced in the Western District of Tennessee for embezzlement, money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy. According to the Indictment, the former IRS employee stole tax refunds by routing the refunds to bank accounts controlled by her, another IRS employee, and co-conspirators. The former IRS employee diverted over $350,000 and attempted to divert an additional $154,949 in tax refunds. The former IRS employee was sentenced to 4 years in prison, 3 years supervised release, and was ordered to pay joint restitution of over $362,000 to the IRS.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Procurement Official Sentenced for Theft of Government Property
On June 7, 2005, a former IRS procurement official was sentenced in the District of Columbia for theft of government property. According to court documents, the former IRS employee used a government purchase card to charge approximately $23,971 to pay for computer equipment and supplies for his personal benefit and the benefit of family members. The former IRS employee was sentenced to 3 years probation and was ordered to pay over $23,900 in restitution. He was also debarred for 3 years from participating in United States Government procurement requirements.
Individual Pleads Guilty to Threatening an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee
On June 6, 2005, an individual pled guilty in the Western District of Michigan to attempting to interfere with the administration of internal revenue laws. According to court documents, the individual used threats of force to endeavor to intimidate an IRS employee who was acting in his official capacity.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Contract Employee Sentenced for Computer Fraud
On June 14, 2005, an IRS contract employee was sentenced in the Northern District of West Virginia for computer fraud. According to court documents, the contract employee intentionally accessed a protected IRS computer without authorization, causing damage. The contract employee was sentenced to 2 years probation and was ordered to pay the costs associated with his probation and $50,000 in restitution to the IRS.
Individual Sentenced for Theft of Tax Remittance Checks Totaling Over $175,220
On June 1, 2005, an individual was sentenced in the Northern District of Texas for aiding and abetting theft of government property and illegal reentry after deportation. According to the Plea Agreement, a former IRS contract employee stole over $175,220 in tax remittance checks that were mailed to the Dallas IRS Lockbox for processing. The former IRS contract employee delivered them to the individual who altered the stolen checks by changing the payee information and deposited or attempted to deposit them into bank accounts opened in the names of innocent individuals or assumed names. The Plea Agreement further states that the individual was deported to Nigeria in November 1998. The individual was sentenced to 8 years in prison, 3 years supervised release, and was ordered to pay approximately $13,000 in restitution and upon release from custody, to be turned over to U.S. Immigration for possible deportation proceedings.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Inspection of Tax Returns
On June 9, 2005, an IRS employee pled guilty in the Eastern District of California to unauthorized inspection of returns or return information. According to the Plea Agreement, the IRS employee made 34 different inspections of tax returns of a private individual without authorization from the individual or the IRS.
Individual Pleads Guilty to Impersonating an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee
On June 9, 2005, an individual pled guilty in the District of Oregon to false personation. According to the Plea Agreement, the individual pretended to be an IRS employee and obtained money and other things of value of over $6,400.
Individual Sentenced for Soliciting to Murder an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee
On June 3, 2005, an individual was sentenced in the District of Idaho for solicitation to commit a crime of violence. According to the Indictment, the individual solicited another individual to murder an IRS Special Agent, an Assistant United States Attorney, and a Federal Judge who were assigned to a criminal investigation of the individual for federal tax violations. The individual was sentenced to 33 years in prison, 3 years supervised release, was ordered to pay $720 in restitution to the IRS Special Agent, and was fined $100,000.
Individual Indicted for Making Threats Against Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employees
On May 16, 2005, an individual was indicted in the Eastern District of Kentucky for obstructing and impeding the due administration of internal revenue laws by threats of force. According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly made threats of physical violence against IRS employees, including threats involving a firearm.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Sentenced for Unauthorized Access to an IRS Database
On May 18, 2005, an IRS employee was sentenced in the Eastern District of California for fraud and related activity in connection with computers. According to court documents, the IRS employee intentionally accessed an IRS computer system without authorization, and obtained tax return information of a private individual. The IRS employee was sentenced to 1 year probation, 50 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay a $300 fine.
Individual Charged with Interfering with Tax Administration
On May 19, 2005, an individual was charged in the Northern District of Ohio with attempts to interfere with administration of internal revenue laws. According to the Information, the individual allegedly prepared fictitious Forms 8300 (Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business) that falsely claimed state and federal officials and employees, including an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee, had engaged in suspicious cash transactions and submitted copies of the forms to the IRS and/or the Secretary of the Treasury. The individual allegedly intended to cause the IRS to conduct investigations of the officials and employees as a means of retaliation against them, based on their positions as officials or employees of government offices or agencies. In furtherance of his corrupt endeavor to interfere with administration of internal revenue laws, the individual allegedly impeded an IRS Special Agent's efforts to conduct a criminal investigation of him when he submitted ten fictitious Forms 8300 to the Special Agent, falsely claiming on each form that the Special Agent had engaged in a suspicious transaction by paying the IRS over $2.7 million in cash.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of Tax Remittances
On April 25, 2005, an IRS employee pled guilty in the Eastern District of California to theft and conversion of property of the United States. According to the Plea Agreement, the IRS employee stole 14 tax remittances totaling approximately $19,668 from the mailroom, and used the money to pay personal debts and expenses.
Individual sentenced for mail fraud involving fictitious financial instruments
On April 27, 2005, an individual was sentenced in the District of North Dakota for mail fraud. According to court documents, the individual used the United States Postal Service to send to credit card companies false and fictitious instruments entitled “Sight Draft,” “Sight Order,” or “Money Order” to establish a credit line and to pay credit card bills. The individual sent the credit card companies sight drafts and money orders of over $275,000 that were purportedly drawn on an account at the United States (U.S.) Treasury. The individual was sentenced to 24 months in prison and 3 years' supervised release and was ordered to pay the credit card companies $192,096 in restitution.
Individual charged with receiving a stolen $20,000 tax remittance
On May 13, 2005, an individual was charged in the Northern District of Texas with receiving and converting U.S. Government property. According to the Criminal Complaint, the individual allegedly deposited a $20,000 tax remittance check into a bank account he opened. The check was allegedly mailed by a taxpayer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Dallas Lockbox as a tax payment.
Two Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Lockbox Employees Indicted for Stealing Tax Payments
On April 27, 2005, two individuals were indicted in the Northern District of Georgia for bank fraud, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting. According to the Indictment, the individuals were allegedly employees of a Bank of America IRS lockbox and stole money orders that were sent to the lockbox by taxpayers to pay their federal income taxes. The individuals allegedly forged their names on 23 money orders totaling over $6,000, and negotiated them at check cashing facilities and U.S. Postal Service offices.
Individual Indicted for Making False Statements on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Forms
On April 20, 2005, an individual was indicted in the Northern District of Florida for false statements. According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly submitted three Forms 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative to the IRS in order to be permitted to represent taxpayers before the IRS. The individual allegedly claimed on the IRS forms that he was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who was qualified to practice as a CPA in Maryland, knowing he was not qualified to practice as a CPA in any state.
Two Individuals Indicted for a $200,000
On April 18, 2005, two individuals were indicted in the Southern District of Texas for bribery and aiding and abetting. According to the Indictment, one individual who was allegedly aided and abetted by others offered an IRS Revenue Agent $200,000 to circumvent an IRS tax audit. The other individual was allegedly aided and abetted by the IRS Revenue Agent and agreed to receive the $200,000 from the other individual.
Individual Indicted for Misusing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Name
On March 30, 2005, an individual was indicted in the Northern District of Ohio for wire and mail fraud, misuse of the Treasury name, and making a false statement. According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly devised a scheme in which he enticed investors to send him $49,000 to purchase an apartment building that they would own shares in. The individual allegedly did not purchase the apartment building and used the money for his personal use and benefit. In furtherance of the scheme, the individual allegedly sent numerous messages to the investors, one of which was a fictitious letter purportedly from the IRS advising that the individual and his businesses were under legal investigation by the IRS and the Ohio Attorney General.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Indicted for Destroying Taxpayer Records
On April 5, 2005, an IRS employee was indicted in the District of Massachusetts for removal and destruction of government records and attempt to remove and destroy government records. According to the Indictment, the IRS employee was allegedly responsible for processing taxpayer records filed with the IRS and removed and destroyed numerous taxpayer records in his custody. Additionally, the IRS employee allegedly attempted to remove and destroy certain taxpayer records including corrected Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements and letters from taxpayers and their representatives.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Arrested for Theft of Government Money
On March 31, 2005, an IRS employee was arrested in the Southern District of New York for theft of money of the United States government. According to the Criminal Complaint, the IRS employee allegedly received approximately $153,000 in disability benefits to which he was not entitled. The IRS employee was allegedly receiving social security disability benefits while employed as an IRS Assistant Tax Examiner and falsely reported to the Social Security Administration that he had not worked since becoming disabled.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Contract Employee Sentenced for Receiving Pornographic Images
On March 15, 2005, an IRS contract employee was sentenced in the District of Maryland for transportation of obscene matters. According to court documents, the individual knowingly received 40 obscene pictures on his work computer. The individual was sentenced to 5 months incarceration, 5 months home detention, and 3 years supervised release and was ordered to participate in a mental health treatment program.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Sentenced for Unauthorized Access and Inspection of Tax Returns
On March 9, 2005, an IRS employee was sentenced in the District of Connecticut for unauthorized access of a computer and unauthorized inspection of return and return information. According to court documents, the IRS employee willfully accessed and inspected an individual's tax returns without a legitimate business purpose and without proper authorization, knowing that the unauthorized inspection of return and return information was in violation of federal law and IRS policy. The IRS employee was sentenced to two years probation and was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and to participate in a mental health treatment and testing program.
Individual Sentenced for Bribing an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Revenue Agent
On March 24, 2005, six individuals were indicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania for conspiracy to commit major fraud against the United States. Two individuals were also charged with theft of government property and aiding and abetting and one individual was also charged with theft and destruction of mail. According to the Indictment, the individuals were allegedly employed by the Mellon Bank IRS lockbox operation that received federal tax payments, vouchers, and tax returns from taxpayers and were responsible for opening the incoming mail, separating the tax returns from the vouchers and payments, and processing the payments and vouchers. Five individuals allegedly conspired to conceal the tax returns, mail, vouchers and tax payments by moving them to a storage room within the IRS lockbox operation and in other locations on the same floor as the IRS lockbox operation. Then, one individual allegedly ordered two individuals to destroy them.
Individuals Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Major Fraud Against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
On March 30, 2005, an individual was sentenced in the Eastern District of New York for bribing an IRS Revenue Agent. According to the Criminal Complaint, during an IRS tax audit, the individual paid the Revenue Agent $3,000 in exchange for the Revenue Agent reducing the individual's outstanding tax liability for two tax years, from approximately $48,000 to over $7,000. The individual was sentenced to 3 years probation and 4 months home detention, and was ordered to cooperate with the IRS to pay his outstanding tax liability.
Individual Indicted for Threatening to Bomb a Federal Building
On March 22, 2005, an individual was indicted in the Central District of California for use of mail to threaten and convey false information. According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly prepared and mailed a letter to the U.S. Immigration Service that falsely claimed three bombs were scheduled to explode, one of them at the Federal building to which the letter was sent.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Charged with Unauthorized Inspection of Returns and Return Information
On March 15, 2005, an IRS employee was charged in the Eastern District of California with unauthorized access and attempted unauthorized access to a computer and unauthorized inspection of returns and return information. According to the Indictment, the IRS employee allegedly made 40 accesses to electronically stored taxpayer records without authorization and attempted to make four additional accesses without authorization. The IRS employee also allegedly inspected, without authorization, return and return information of five taxpayers.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Property
On March 3, 2005, an IRS employee pled guilty in the District of Columbia to theft of government property. According to court documents, the IRS employee, who worked as an IRS procurement official, used a government purchase card to charge approximately $23,971 to pay for computer equipment and supplies for his personal benefit and the benefit of family members.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Charged with Unauthorized Inspection of Returns or Return Information
On March 10, 2005, an IRS employee was charged in the Eastern District of California with fraud and related activity in connection with computers and unauthorized inspection of returns or return information. According to the Information, the IRS employee allegedly accessed an IRS computer database and inspected the tax returns of 17 private individuals without authorization.
Individual Charged with Theft of Government Property
On March 11, 2005, an individual was charged in the District of Hawaii with theft of government property. According to the Information, the individual allegedly stole approximately $10,500 of U.S. Treasury Funds and converted them to her own use.
Individual Indicted for Attempting to Interfere with Administration of Internal Revenue Laws
On March 17, 2005, an individual was indicted in the Northern District of Florida for attempting to evade and defeat tax and to interfere with the administration of internal revenue laws. According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly attempted to evade paying substantial portions of income tax he owed to the United States for six calendar years. The individual also allegedly sent letters to entities falsely informing them that the lawful summonses they had received from the IRS were phony documents and they were under no obligation to comply with them.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee sentenced for unauthorized access and inspection of tax returns
On March 9, 2005, an IRS employee was sentenced in the District of Connecticut for unauthorized access of a computer and unauthorized inspection of return and return information. According to the Plea Agreement, the IRS employee willfully accessed and inspected an individual's tax returns without a legitimate business purpose and without proper authorization, knowing that the unauthorized inspection of returns and return information was in violation of Federal law and IRS policy. The IRS employee was sentenced to 2 years' probation and 100 hours of community service and was ordered to undergo mental health treatment.
Individual charged with assaulting IRS employees
On March 8, 2005, an individual was indicted in the Central District of California for assaulting a Federal Government officer, resulting in the infliction of bodily injury. According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly used force to assault and interfere with two IRS employees while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, resulting in the infliction of bodily injury to one employee.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Charged with Unauthorized Inspection of a Tax Return
On February 17, 2005, the United States Attorney's office in the Eastern District of California filed an Information against an IRS employee for unauthorized inspection of return information. According to the information, the IRS employee unlawfully and without authorization inspected the tax return of a private individual
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Indicted for Unauthorized Inspection of a Tax Return
On February 22, 2005, a federal Grand Jury in the Northern District of Georgia returned an indictment against an IRS employee for unauthorized inspection of return or return information. According to the Indictment, the IRS employee misused his position in that he accessed the accounts of over forty taxpayers for the purpose of appropriating dependent information which he then sold to others who used such confidential tax information to obtain fraudulent tax refunds.
Criminal Complaint Filed Against an Individual Charging Him with Threats Against Public Official and Others
On February 8, 2005, a Criminal Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maine charging an individual with one count of knowingly and willfully making a threat to kill the President of the United States; one count of knowingly making threats via electronic mail to injure members of a research institute; one count of knowingly making threats via electronic mail to injure agents of the Internal Revenue Service; one count of knowingly depositing or causing to be deposited in the United States mail a written communication containing threats to injure a person, namely agents of the Internal Revenue Service; and one count of knowingly making threats via electronic mail to injure the person of another, namely an employee of a television station.
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Maine issued a summons in lieu of arrest for the individual. The individual made an initial appearance on February 18, 2005, and was released on $10,000 bond.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Charged with False Statements Involving Improper Accesses of Taxpayer Accounts
On February 16, 2005, an IRS employee was charged in the Eastern District of Michigan with false statements and witness tampering. According to the Indictment, the IRS employee allegedly improperly accessed and conducted research regarding the taxpayer accounts of 12 individuals without a legitimate employment reason and without permission of the taxpayers. The IRS employee also allegedly instructed one taxpayer to lie to investigators if questioned about their relationship and falsely stated to investigators that she did not conduct the accesses and did not contact the taxpayer.
Individual Indicted for Theft of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Remittance Check
On February 22, 2005, an individual was indicted in the Central District of California for bank fraud and theft of public money. According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly stole an IRS tax remittance check of approximately $57,210 and altered the payee section to read his name. The individual allegedly deposited the stolen check into a bank account he opened and then withdrew and converted $19,306 to his own use.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Arrested for Theft of a Tax Refund
On February 23, 2005, an IRS employee was arrested in the Western District of Tennessee for theft of public money, wire fraud, and false statements. According to the Indictment, the IRS employee allegedly caused $4,575 of a tax refund owed to a taxpayer to be wire transferred into a credit association account she maintained. The IRS employee also allegedly made false statements to her supervisor that she had surgery and was recuperating when she knew she would not be able to report for work because she would be or was serving a sentence in prison.
Internal Revenue Agent Arrested for Scheme to Defraud the United States
On February 15, 2005, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee was arrested in the District of New Jersey for knowingly making the opportunity for a person to defraud the United States. According to the Criminal Complaint, the IRS employee allegedly managed and controlled the financial affairs of a real estate development and home construction company owned by a former business associate of the employee. The IRS employee allegedly diverted proceeds from the sale of real estate owned by the company to various bank accounts and individuals, providing the opportunity for the company and its owner to defraud the United States of taxes owed on approximately $600,000 of the company's 2002 gross receipts.
Individual Pleads Guilty to Impersonating an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee
On February 14, 2005, an individual pled guilty in the District of New Jersey to impersonating an IRS employee. According to court documents, an IRS Revenue Officer issued a notice of levy of funds to a business where the individual was a sub-contractor and sent a copy to the individual. The levy was for a tax liability of over $46,000 owed by the individual. After receiving the notice of levy, the individual called the business owner and purported to be the IRS Revenue Officer who issued the notice of levy and advised the business owner the levy had been released. Later on the same day, the individual faxed a false letter purported to be from the IRS Revenue Officer to the business owner. The individual admitted to agents that she represented herself to be the IRS Revenue Officer.
Former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Contract Employee Sentenced for Stealing Over $231,000 from an IRS Lockbox Facility
On February 16, 2005, a former IRS contract employee was sentenced in the Northern District of Texas for embezzlement by a bank employee and aiding and abetting. According to the Factual Resume, the former IRS contract employee stole and converted over $231,000 in tax remittance checks from the IRS Dallas Lockbox. The individual deposited or attempted to deposit the tax remittance checks into bank accounts opened in assumed names by him and others. The individual was sentenced to 71 months in prison and 3 years supervised release, and was ordered to pay over $194,000 in restitution and upon release from prison to be turned over to U.S. Immigration for deportation proceedings.
Individual Indicted for False Representation
On February 1, 2005, an individual was indicted in the Northern District of Texas for misrepresentation of a material fact in a matter within the jurisdiction of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). According to the Indictment, the individual allegedly falsely represented himself to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) on an IRS Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, knowing his CPA certificate had been revoked in 1993. The individual allegedly represented himself to be a CPA so that he would be allowed to practice before the IRS with all the rights accorded a CPA.
Two Individuals Charged in Connection with Falsely Assuming to be an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Agent
On February 9, 2005, two individuals were indicted in the Middle District of Alabama in connection with a scheme to impersonate an IRS agent, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 912. According to the Indictment, one of the individuals falsely obtained approximately $10,000 on behalf of the United States by falsely assuming and pretending to be an IRS agent. The other individual allegedly aided and abetted the false impersonation of an IRS agent, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 912 and 2, and made a false statement to a special agent about her participation in the scheme, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).
Individual convicted for soliciting to murder an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee
On January 27, 2005, an individual was found guilty in the District of Idaho on three counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 373. According to the Indictment, the individual solicited another individual to murder an IRS Special Agent, an Assistant United States Attorney, and a Federal Judge who were assigned to a criminal investigation of the individual for Federal tax violations.
Individual pleads guilty to interfering with the administration of internal revenue laws
On January 20, 2005, an individual pled guilty in the Western District of North Carolina to interfering with the administration of internal revenue laws and aiding and abetting, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a) and 18 U.S.C § 2. According to Court documents, the individual fraudulently represented himself to be an attorney to assist other individuals in the filing of fraudulent tax returns and filed fictitious arrest warrants against the IRS agents investigating the case. The individual also advised three different grand jury witnesses not to appear before a Federal grand jury, despite the fact that all three had received Federal grand jury subpoenas.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Examining Assistant Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Disclosure of Tax Information
On January 27, 2005, an IRS Tax Examining Assistant pled guilty in the Eastern District of Wisconsin to unauthorized disclosure of returns and return information, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7213(a)(1). According to the Plea Agreement, the IRS employee willfully disclosed returns and return information of individuals, including their names, addresses, and social security numbers. The IRS employee disclosed the information to her daughter to assist her daughter in successfully locating the owner of unclaimed property with whom her daughter eventually entered into a contingent fee agreement.
Individual Sentenced for Theft of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Grant Funds
On January 27, 2005, an individual was sentenced in the Northern District of Ohio for theft of government property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. According to the Plea Agreement, the individual falsely obtained IRS grant funds under the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program by representing himself as the finance director of a non-profit organization. The individual provided false information to the IRS and received over $16,800 in grant funds for his scheme. The individual was sentenced to 4 months home confinement, 3 years probation and 100 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay restitution of $16,825 to the IRS and $1,850 to a client he defrauded.
Two Individuals Arrested for over $1 Million in False Claims
On January 3, 2005, two individuals were arrested in the District of Maryland for false claims, conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, obstruction of a federal audit, and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 287, 286, 1516, and 2. According to the Indictment, the individuals were allegedly the president and vice-president of a corporation contracted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to plan, manage, and coordinate nationwide tax forums. The individuals allegedly under reported income and over reported expenses to the IRS, resulting in the IRS' payment of over $1 million in management fees. In furtherance of the alleged conspiracy to defraud, the individuals created fictitious invoices and other documents to support the under reported income and over reported expenses. The individuals also allegedly failed to provide subpoenaed records sought by audit personnel.
Individual Sentenced for Bribing an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee
On January 20, 2005, an individual was sentenced in the Eastern District of New York for bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 201 (b) (1) (A). According to Court documents, the individual paid an IRS employee $10,000 in cash to have the IRS employee “no-change” the audits of her 2000 and 2002 Forms 1040. The individual also made a $5,000 payment to the IRS employee to have the IRS employee reduce her 2001 tax liability from $37,000 to approximately $5,000 in tax, penalties and interest. The individual was sentenced to 5 years probation, 4 months house arrest, and was instructed to cooperate with the IRS to complete her tax audit.
Tax Accountant Sentenced for Wire Fraud Involving a Tax Liability
On January 7, 2005, a tax accountant was sentenced in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. According to the Superseding Indictment, the tax accountant negotiated an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) installment agreement on behalf of one of his clients in which he arranged for his client to send lease payments for use of a property to the IRS to be applied to another taxpayer's tax liability. Instead, the tax accountant instructed his client to wire him the lease payments and he would forward them to the IRS. He did not forward the payments to the IRS and converted over $148,000 to his own use. The tax accountant was sentenced to 37 months in prison, 3 years supervised release, and ordered to pay $95,400 in restitution.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Examining Technician Sentenced for Unauthorized Access and Disclosure of Tax Information, False Statements in IRS Records, and Unlawful Solicitation
On December 20, 2004, an IRS Tax Examining Technician was sentenced in the Western District of Texas for unauthorized access and disclosure of tax information, making false statements in IRS records, and unlawful solicitation by a Federal employee, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030 and 26 U.S.C. §§ 7206, 7213, and 7214. According to Court documents, the IRS employee assisted taxpayers with their delinquent Federal tax returns and accessed IRS computerized tax return information without authorization in exchange for sexual favors. The IRS employee also made false statements in IRS tax records and disclosed tax return information to unauthorized persons. The IRS employee was sentenced to 3 years probation, the first 4 months under home detention, 100 hours of community service, and ordered to complete a mental health treatment program.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Access to IRS Computers
On December 20, 2004, an IRS employee pled guilty in the Eastern District of California to fraud, unauthorized access and related activity in connection with computers in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030 (a) (2) (B). According to the Plea Agreement, the IRS employee made six inspections of tax return information on an IRS computer without authorization from the IRS or the taxpayers.
Individual Indicted for Impersonating an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employee
On January 4, 2005, an individual was indicted in the District of Colorado for impersonating an IRS employee, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 912. According to the Indictment, the individual obtained money from four individuals by falsely assuming and pretending to be an IRS employee.
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