BANK EMPLOYEE PLEADS GUILTY TO TAKING, DESTROYING TAX RETURNS
United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, January 23, 2006, that on January 20, 2006, Brian Metzer, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property.
Metzer, age 30, of 425 South Pacific Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Gary L. Lancaster.
In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret E. Picking and Tina O. Miller advised the court that Metzer conspired to commit major fraud against the United States by taking tax returns and checks from the Mellon Bank Lockbox, hiding them and eventually destroying them without lawful authority. Mellon Bank had a contract with the Internal Revenue Service and Financial Management Service to process tax returns, checks and vouchers. According to the Information, Mellon Bank exerted pressure on the employees of the Mellon Bank IRS Lockbox to meet a project completion date of April 29, 2001, but did not provide enough staffing to meet that deadline.
In addition to his plea on the theft of government property count, Metzer accepted responsibility for one count of conspiracy to commit major fraud against the United States, and one count of theft of mail matter.
Judge Lancaster scheduled sentencing for April 28, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brian Metzer.
# # #