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Investigative journalism in the public interest. That’s what we focus on in Dallas-Fort Worth and throughout Texas. Join the conversation. Help us expose the problems and provide solutions. February 2010
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Problem Solver: Couple owes hefty utility bills Job cuts, tax hikes and exec bonuses at Parkland Arlington victim's mom works with accused ex-cop Problem Solver: Women's charity offers clothing Hot Links: How Dallas Co. constables raise cash Hot Links: Dick Armey's contradictions Problem Solver: Donations now need recipients Problem Solver: 2-dozen 2-wheeler donations Baylor's silent partner in doctor-owned hospitals Hot Links: Another city in North Texas cuts services, but elected officials keep traveling Categories
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February 5, 2010
There are a number of churches and charities which help when a current utility bill is beyond a person's resources. That helps keep the lights and water on. But in the case of Todd and Shirley Ritrovato of Greenville, the utility debt was 14 years old. and created when their daughter was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. The Ritrovatos have known they owe the money for the past two years, but have not had much extra money to pay it. The couple lives on less than $700 a month, along with food stamps and housing assistance. I've had some readers interested in helping out. If that's you, Hunt County Shared Ministries is willing to handle any donations for the couple. The address is 3724 Oneal St ![]() ![]() The entry "Problem Solver: Couple owes hefty utility bills" is tagged: Problem Solver; GEUS; Greenville Electric Utility System; utilities; charity; Hunt County Shared Ministries January 21, 2010
That impression sure seems wrong today. The News' Sherry Jacobson reports that 27 of Parkland's executives received bonuses over the holidays -- presumably the same ones who'd months earlier declined merit raises. These bonuses ranged between 19 percent and 31 percent per person, and totaled nearly $2 million. I should warn you against calling these bonuses. Incentive is the preferred noun, Parkland's board chairwoman says. That's because the executives met job-performance goals -- like reducing the hospital's hideously long emergency room waits, blamed in the death of one man in 2008. To those improvements, I'm sure everyone will say, "Job well done." But will everyone agree with
Use social-networking media to get your news? Follow the blog on Twitter, or join our Facebook group. ![]() ![]() The entry "Job cuts, tax hikes and exec bonuses at Parkland" is tagged: bonuses , compensation , executives , incentives , John M. Haupert , Lauren McDonald , Parkland Memorial Hospital , pay , rewards , Ron Anderson , salary January 6, 2010
What Camp fails to mention in his biography is that he left law enforcement after being accused of beating his wife. Luckily The News' Steve Thompson filled in information gaps for us. The omissions matter because Camp is seeking publicity for his newest business. He wants to speed missing-child cases by letting parents proactively store and share information about their little ones that could be used in the event of something terrible. Donna Norris -- the mother of Amber Hagerman (right), the Arlington girl whose abduction and slaying inspired the Amber Alert system -- is one of his business partners. She said Camp disclosed his past to her, "and I'm OK with that ... It's just a shame that someone has to bring it up, because all we're about is saving children's lives." ![]() ![]() The entry "Arlington victim's mom works with accused ex-cop" is tagged: Amber Child Safety Systems , Amber Hagerman , Donna Norris , investigations , missing child , Tad A. Camp , Tiponi Foundation December 2, 2009
"Could you direct me to a woman's organization that needs business clothes--years ago I heard of one that desires such for women from various stations in life that need such to enter the business world --many thanks," a reader from Mesquite asked. Yes, I do know of a group. Attitudes & Attire offers clothing, shoes and toiletries for women in need. The group can be reached through its website at www.attitudesandattire.org. ![]() ![]() The entry "Problem Solver: Women's charity offers clothing" is tagged: Attitudes & Attire , charity , clothing , Problem Solver November 16, 2009
Some of the constables' employees say they've been pressured to sell the tickets. The constables, through their lawyers, deny wrongdoing. Do you have a tip about constables? Send me an e-mail and let me know. Or join the conversation by commenting below. If you're on Twitter, follow our blog at DMNInvestigates. You can also check us out on Facebook. ![]() ![]() The entry "Hot Links: How Dallas Co. constables raise cash " is tagged: campaign contribution , campaign finance , charity , constables , Dallas County , Derick Evans , Ed Timms , fund raising , Jaime Cortes , Kevin Krause , nonprofit , raffle , tickets October 29, 2009
At FreedomWorks, the former House majority leader from Denton County makes $500,000 a year to proclaim, among other things, that "billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies have done little to make alternative energy sources more practical." Dave Michaels, a reporter in The Dallas Morning News' Washington bureau, takes a long look today at Armey's dual roles. While FreedomWorks is often "antagonistic to politicians of both parties ... the general disposition of the lobbyist is to be sweet to officeholders," Armey acknowledged. "This is always a problem, and people have struggled with it in Washington. "Few have mastered it as I have." Do you have a tip about lobbyists and lobbying? Send me an e-mail and let me know. Or join the conversation by commenting below. If you're on Twitter, follow our blog at DMNInvestigates. You can also check us out on Facebook. ![]() ![]() The entry "Hot Links: Dick Armey's contradictions" is tagged: Dave Michaels , Dick Armey , DLA Piper , FreedomWorks , Obama , stimulus , tax credits , wind farm September 29, 2009
"If you know of others needing bikes I have a lot to repair. And while the repairs will take time, we will need homes to give them to when the repairs are finished," said Pamela Jackson, who has been the public face for the group. The bug to help seems to go along genetic lines in this charity. It was first started by a high school student, whose brother later took it over and parents helped out. Now, Jackson's father is learning to repair bikes. "He was a tremendous help last Tuesday, changing tubes and tires on bikes so I could get them to Sunset High School on Wednesday," she said. The Oak Cliff high school got a delivery of six bikes that day. If you want to donate a bicycle or know someone who needs one, contact the group at spokesforfolks@aol.com ![]() ![]() The entry "Problem Solver: Donations now need recipients" is tagged: bicycle , bike , charity , problem solver , spokes for folks September 23, 2009
One of the nicer donations is a beautiful bike that is about 50 years old and in pristine condition. A man brought it to Jackson and told her that his wife had loved it very much when she was alive. He asked for it to be given to a young girl, a wish that Jackson promises to honor. Spokes for Folks refurbishes bicycles and then gives them away to people in need. If you would like to donate write spokesfolks@aol.com ![]() ![]() The entry "Problem Solver: 2-dozen 2-wheeler donations" is tagged: bicycles , charity , problem solver , Spokes for Folks September 21, 2009
But United Surgical Partners International's relationship with the not-for-profit Baylor system goes back a decade, mirroring the growth in physician-owned hospitals (Baylor Medical Center at Frisco shown in photo) and ambulatory surgical facilities. Baylor chief executive Joel Allison is on the board of directors of USPI as is former Baylor CEO Boone Powell Jr. Allison receives no compensation for his board service, according to USPI's financial filings with the SEC. Powell received $35,000 in cash and another $11,000 in stock awards from USPI in 2008. Former Baylor executive Brett Brodnax is an executive vice president for Dallas-based USPI and its chief development officer.
![]() ![]() The entry "Baylor's silent partner in doctor-owned hospitals" is tagged: ambulatory surgical centers , Anderson & Stowe , Baylor Health Care System , Carson , doctor-owned hospitals , Donald Steen , Joel Allison , Thomas Scully , United Surgical Partners International , Welsh September 18, 2009
The trip is part of Fort Worth's Sister Cities program, which sends a delegation to seven locales around the world to glad-hand and talk a little business. Fort Worth has provided about $350,000 in public funding toward this and usually pays the cost of a couple of elected officials to attend -- in this case, two to Swaziland at a cost of nearly $10,000. The timing could not have been worse. Just last week, the council approved budget cuts and fee hikes for residents. One of the traveling council members insisted, "This is not about tourism. This is about AIDS in Africa and the significant issues that are faced in that part of the world. It is very important we have these exchanges." The Sister Cities trip reminded me of other recent examples of big-ticket municipal travel -- Rowlett, Dallas and Mesquite. Leaves you wondering taxpayers believe they're getting a good value, or whether they'd like their neighborhood library open a few more hours.
Use social-networking media to get your news? Follow the blog or me on Twitter, or join our Facebook group. ![]() ![]() The entry "Hot Links: Another city in North Texas cuts services, but elected officials keep traveling" is tagged: Dallas , elected officials , foreign , Fort Worth , Mesquite , municipal , overseas , Rowlett , Sister Cities , Travel , trips September 15, 2009
Late last week, a hidden-camera video showed Baltimore employees of the community group -- which has faced voter-fraud allegations since the '08 elections -- giving dubious advice to a man and a woman posing as a couple. The advice? How to cover up their purported jobs in prostitution on tax forms. FOX News was the biggest outlet to jump on the story, and ACORN was again left defending itself. As the furor has simmered with additional videos, some GOP-minded commentators accused other media of downplaying or outright ignoring the controversy. That's probably what led to the e-mails we received today. ![]() ![]() The entry "Reader Talkback: Where are the ACORN stories? We've been publishing, blogging them." is tagged: ACORN , advice , Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now , Census , Fox News , HUD , IRS , tax , voter fraud September 14, 2009
But the group doesn't have one. If you are interested in donating a bike, bike parts or money, you'll need to contact Pamela Jackson through e-mail at spokesfolks@aol.com. ![]() ![]() The entry "Problem Solver: E-mail bike lady to donate" is tagged: bicycle charity , bike , Problem Solver , Spokes For Folks August 17, 2009
1. What is going on in the offices of Dallas County constables Jamie Cortes and Derick Evans? The News' Kevin Krause brings us another in an increasing list of stories on their activities, which always seem to involve vehicles or a towing company they're employing. 2. Dallas' Mexican consulate office is under investigation for financial improprieties, The News' Alfredo Corchado tells us. Similar allegations arose a few months ago. Trend or coincidence? 3. Tarrant County College trustee Robyn Medina Winnett was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting, the Star-Telegram reports. It's the latest unflattering headline for TCC's administration. 4. Haven't heard from former U.S. House Majority Leader and Texas' own Dick Armey in a while. Talking Points Memo's Muckraker blog explores how Armey's lobbying firm apparently received blowback from his advocacy group's role in organizing health-care protests. Do you have thoughts or tips to share? Leave a comment or e-mail me. Use social-networking media to get your news? Follow the blog or me on Twitter, or join our Facebook group. ![]() ![]() The entry "Hot Links: Money questions for Dallas constables, Mexican consulate, Tarrant County College admin" is tagged: consulate , Dallas County constables , Derick Evans , Dick Armey , DLA Piper , Dowdy Ferry Auto Services , Enrique Hubbard , FreedomWorks , investigation , Jamie Cortes , Mexican , Mexico , Robyn Medina Winnett , shoplifting , Tarrant County College August 10, 2009
1. Holly K. Hacker's Sunday story found half of college-bound graduates from some North Texas high schools earned less than a C average their freshman year. That includes middling results from kids at Dallas' nationally recognized magnet school. The state's higher education commissioner said it was a "serious problem" that students are "stunned when they arrive on a college campus." Look up your school with this online database. 2. Current and former members of the non-profit that runs the Alamo has been squabbling over finances. That brings this to light: The state may own the landmark, but no agency provides management oversight. That worries San Antonio's mayor, The News' Marjorie Korn reports. 3. News reporters aren't the only ones who fight for records. An audit released this morning shows the FDIC wouldn't share documents with the State Auditor's Office as part of a review of the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. Do you have thoughts or tips to share? Leave a comment or e-mail me. Use social-networking media to get your news? Follow the blog or me on Twitter, or join our Facebook group. ![]() ![]() The entry "Hot Links: Are Texas students ready for college?" is tagged: Alamo , colleges , Daughters of the Republic of Texas , David Stewart , Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending , FDIC , Patti Atkins , public information , public universities , Raymund Paredes , records , Rick Perry , San Antonio , State Auditor's Office , TAKS , Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board July 30, 2009
1. State regulators are now investigating the car-towing company used by two Dallas County constables that has created controversy in recent weeks, The News' Kevin Krause reports. The company -- which has no county oversight -- is run by a troubled businessman who also has an auto salvage shop. 2. Protections for federal employees who blow the whistle on corruption were expanded yesterday, USA Today tells us. Most can now request that a jury hear their case, excluding intelligence agency employees. Advocates wanted protections for all workers. 3. Perhaps the biggest story in Dallas is the City Hall bribery trial. But it's not the only corruption case in the courts. A suburban D.C. jury is deliberating the fate of former U.S. congressman William Jefferson of Louisiana. Do you have thoughts or tips to share? Leave a comment or e-mail me. Use social-networking media to get your news? Follow the blog or me on Twitter, or join our Facebook group. ![]() ![]() The entry "Hot links: Towing firm, whistleblowers, bribe trial" is tagged: bribery , congressman , constables , corruption , Dallas City Hall , Dallas County , Derick Evans , Don Hill , Dowdy Ferry Auto , FBI , federal , indictment , Jaime Cortes , legislation , prosecutors , protections , trial , whistleblowers , William Jefferson July 29, 2009
1. One of the feds' star witnesses in the Dallas City Hall bribery trial, Southwest Housing Development's Brian Potashnik, finished four days of testimony yesterday. Some observers and blog commenters thought Potashnik stumbled at times to show Don Hill personally benefited from contracts given to associates. But Unfair Park's Jim Schutze had a different take. 2. Speaking of the Dallas City Council, some of its members are reluctant to trim their own office budgets amid a $190 million shortfall, The News' Rudy Bush reports. I'm sure city workers and residents will sympathize. 3. College sports' umbrella organization, NCAA, is facing lawsuits from former athletes who accuse it of cashing in on their likenesses in video games without sharing the proceeds. A ranking member of a Congressional panel has questioned why the NCAA still receives tax-free status as a nonprofit when it acts more like a commercial enterprise. Do you have thoughts or tips to share? Leave a comment or send me an e-mail. Use social networking to get your news? Follow us on Twitter at DMNInvestigates and ReeseDunklin. Or join our Facebook group at DallasNews Digs. ![]() ![]() The entry "Hot Links: Bribery trial, budget cuts, NCAA lawsuit" is tagged: athletics , Brian Potashnik , bribery , budget , Charles Grassley , city council , college sports , corruption , cuts , Dallas City Hall , deficit , Don Hill , extortion , furloughs , lawsuits , NCAA , Southwest Housing Development , trial July 14, 2009
A recent tour of the second-most visited site in Dallas showed that the light was still broken and was topped with a milk crate and traffic cone. The trail was so eroded that wiring and sprinkler lines were exposed. Some of the sculpture pedestals looked dangerously unearthed. There was graffiti on the trash can. The water fountain was out of order. And cigarette butts and beer bottle tops peppered the ground. Weirdly, there was also a pair of pants resting on the trail. You'd think someone would need those. ![]() ![]() The entry "Problem Solver: Pioneer Plaza still shabby" is tagged: Pioneer Plaza; sculptures; cattle; art; Problem Solver July 6, 2009
1. George Orwell would have appreciated this: Some students who failed the TAKS test are counted as passing for purposes of new school accountability rankings, Dallas Morning News reporters Holly Hacker and Jeffrey Weiss showed. Why? A formula predicts that these failers are likely to pass the next time. What if the prediction is wrong? No problem. The schools' rankings don't drop. 2. Charter schools are privately run, but we taxpayers finance them. So the government exercises fiscal oversight, right? Wrong, reports The Dallas Morning News' Matthew Haag. Onto that stage steps Imagine Schools, a nationwide charter school management company with a real estate program that some officials say hurts students. It's planning to expand into McKinney next year. State officials OK'd the move despite concerns that Imagine lacked non-profit status. Do you have a tip about school testing? Charter schools? Another subject? Send me an e-mail and let me know. Or join the conversation by commenting below. If you're on Twitter, follow our blog at "DMNInvestigates." ![]() ![]() The entry "Hot Links: Love those Texas school-rule loopholes" is tagged: accountability rankings , charter schools , failing , fiscal oversight , formula , Holly Hacker , Imagine Schools , Jeffrey Weiss , management company , Matthew Haag , McKinney , non-profit status , passing , publicly financed , TAKS , taxpayers , TEA , Texas Education Agency June 8, 2009
First, they have disclosed the name used by a man who received the funds: William "Bill" Ryan. They describe him as white, in his 60s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, with wavy, graying hair. He is "very personable and animated," and has "a distinguishable New York accent." The officials say he is a "con man" who posed as a parishioner and probably is using a fake name. They say they have no photo of him -- but maybe somebody reading this does? Ryan and three others the diocese won't name received a series of Western Union payments in New York "over three and a half months," diocese spokeswoman Annette Gonzales Taylor said. She said the FBI has dropped its inquiry into the matter without coming to any conclusions about what happened. The FBI would not confirm or deny that. ![]() ![]() The entry "Can you help find Irving church's lost money?" is tagged: Annette Gonzales Taylor , Anthony "Tony" Densmore , Brooks Egerton , Church of the Incarnation , Dallas Catholic Diocese , FBI , Irving , missing funds , New York , scam , University of Dallas , Western Union , William "Bill" Ryan June 5, 2009
"PLANO SHOULD BE ASHAMED," the reader wrote, "OTHER CITIES HAVE THEIR RECORDS ONLINE!" I first touched base with our Plano beat writer, Ted Kim. He told me the Plano Economic Development Board recently overhauled its Web site. That could explain the limited number of agendas and minutes, he said. Then I contacted Sally Bane, the board's executive director. I e-mailed her a link to the blog post with the comment and asked four questions: ![]() ![]() The entry "Reader talkback: Is Plano board transparent?" is tagged: agendas , economic development , meetings , Open Meetings Act , Plano , Plano Economic Development Board , Public Information Act , Reader Talkback , Sally Bane May 28, 2009
2. Another man walked free after he was cleared by DNA-based evidence in Dallas County, Jennifer Emily tells us. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation to increase compensation to those wrongly convicted. 3. Texas has had some characters of televangelists. Robert Tilton was perhaps the biggest. His speaking in tongues and pitching for donations were always striking. His empire collapsed like several of his contemporaries, but he's still toiling in Florida, Scott Parks reports.
![]() ![]() The entry "Investigates Hot Links: Thursday, May 28, 2009" is tagged: Dallas County commissioners , DNA , evidence , exoneration , FBI , Jim Foster , John Wiley Price , Robert Tilton , televangelist , wrongly convicted May 22, 2009
2. State lawmakers are bogging down as they try to reform eminent-domain laws allowing property seizures for, among other things, economic development, Marcus Funk reports. 3. The Dallas Center for the Performing Arts -- the shimmering new home to the opera, ballet and theater shows -- may not get a $1.7 million public subsidy as soon as it hoped, City Hall reporter Rudy Bush blogs. Question: Does the center need the subsidy at all, given the city's budget woes?
![]() ![]() The entry "Investigates Hot Links: Friday, May, 22, 2009" is tagged: ballet , Carla Ranger , Dallas Center for the Performing Arts , Dallas County Community College District , Dallas ISD , DCCCD , DISD , eminent domain , opera , property seizure , subsidy , theater May 20, 2009
The Texas attorney general's office built this little database, which shows that donations to many of the fund-raising groups are not tax-deductible. And a lot of the donations go to overhead, not to needy cops. "Each year, many generous Texans provide financial support to organizations that purport to benefit peace officers and their families," AG Greg Abbott said. "The online resource launched today ensures contributors have easy access to these organizations' financial information. As a result, Texans can make informed decisions and determine the percentage of their dollars that will actually benefit peace officers." ![]() ![]() The entry "Telemarketing for Texas cops? Get the facts." is tagged: database , fund raising , law enforcement , telemarketing , telephone soliciting , Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott
McKoy, to his credit, has had a change of heart. He called to say that the expenses were about $33.7 million, with revenue of about $40 million. Much of the profit was set aside for a planned year-round amusement park, McKoy said. Why didn't he answer my colleague Michael Lindenberger's question? McKoy said he was just trying to wrap up an interview and steer attention back toward a DART press conference about light rail service to Fair Park. "I have absolutely nothing to hide," McKoy said. "We sure will work to cooperate with you." ![]() ![]() The entry "Update: State Fair boss changes mind, talks $$" is tagged: Brooks Egerton , DART , Errol McKoy , Fair Park , Michael Lindenberger , nonprofit , State Fair of Texas , tax-exempt , year-round amusement park May 19, 2009
Our new "They won't talk" feature focuses on McKoy today because he wouldn't tell Dallas Morning News staff writer Michael Lindenberger what the fair's expenses were last year. The issue arose because the fair says it's launching a year-round amusement park on the midway. The State Fair of Texas is a tax-exempt corporation. It will have to disclose its expenses to the IRS soon enough if it hasn't already -- and that filing will be a public record. So why stonewall the public now? The fair's latest available filing is for 2007. It shows, among other things: * Expenses were about $40 million -- $5.5 million more than revenues.
![]() ![]() The entry "They won't talk: State Fair of Texas" is tagged: Brooks Egerton , Errol McKoy , Fair Park , Form 990 , IRS , Michael Lindenberger , State Fair of Texas , tax filing , They won't talk , year-round amusement park May 18, 2009
Dallas Museum of Art boss Bonnie Pitman (right) is our first subject. She has refused for months to answer basic financial questions about the King Tut exhibit, which closed yesterday. It fell far short of attendance projections, as Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Granberry reported. The News had to file a series of formal records demands just to get the taxpayer-subsidized DMA to claim that it and the city of Dallas would lose no money on the deal. But the museum won't let us see any records to back that up. Why? Pitman and her staff say they promised the exhibit's for-profit organizers absolute confidentiality, as I reported yesterday. Museum officials say they can't even tell us how many people saw Tut for free. Pitman initially said she'd do an interview for Granberry's story but backed out at the last minute. Too busy, her PR lady said.
![]() ![]() The entry "They won't talk: Dallas Museum of Art" is tagged: attendance , Bonnie Pitman , Brooks Egerton , City of Dallas , Dallas Museum of Art , DMA , exhibit , King Tut , Michael Granberry , records , taxpayer-subsidized , Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs May 13, 2009
1. Looking for broader perspective on the case of the North Texas soldier accused of killing five fellow troops in Iraq? Check out this award-winning investigation by the Hartford Courant. 2. Federal law bars nonprofit groups from engaging in partisan politics. But it apparently allows a foundation funded by some of Gov. Rick Perry's wealthiest backers to court pastors at election time, according to Dallas Morning News writer Wayne Slater. Here's a tax filing by the Niemoller Foundation, which dubbed its wooing campaign the Texas Restoration Project. Did I miss a good story? Or do you have a tip? Send me an e-mail and let me know. ![]() ![]() The entry "Investigates Hot Links: Wednesday, May 13, 2009" is tagged: Hartford Courant , Iraq , IRS , mental health , Niemoller Foundation , nonprofit , Rick Perry , Sherman , soldiers , tax law , Texas Restoration Project , Wayne Slater April 20, 2009
IRS officials won't name targets. But they say they're focusing on loans over $100,000 -- and are troubled by "loans with no real terms for repayment or loans where there are terms for repayment but no follow-up if the repayment is not made." The Dallas Morning News reported in January on a local arts exec who got a loan of more than $500,000: Jeremy Strick (right), who recently became director of the Nasher Sculpture Center. The lender was his previous employer, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. A written contract required him to repay any balance when his employment ended. But Strick -- who quit his MOCA job under pressure in December, as the museum's finances crumbled -- now says he didn't meet the contract's terms. "When I left, we changed that," he told me. ![]() ![]() The entry "Dallas museum boss hasn't repaid loan" is tagged: Ben Stevenson , executive compensation , insider loans , IRS , Jeremy Strick , Museum of Contemporary Art , Nasher Sculpture Center , non-profits , Texas Ballet Theater April 7, 2009
2. A foundation started by U.S. Rep. Joe Barton of Arlington has spent most of its money on staff salaries and administrative costs, rather than on donations to charitable causes as he once promised, The Washington Times reported. The foundation has also raised contributions from industries that his House committee regulates. A spokesman told The News the fund-raising was "perfectly legal." 3. More public servants in trouble. More Dallas police officers. Chief David Kunkle fired four of them over misconduct, The News' Tanya Eiserer reports, including one indicted last month after accusations he shot at a woman's vehicle following a road-rage incident.
![]() ![]() The entry "Investigates Hot Links: Tuesday, April 7, 2009" is tagged: Audit , charity , Dallas County jail , Dallas police , David Kunkle , Joe Barton April 2, 2009
Few are confused now. Not after authorities accused seemingly successful financiers, Bernie Madoff and Texas' own Allen Stanford, of running the Ponzi investment shams that looted thousands of folks of their life savings. The IRS promised increased enforcement of offshore bank accounts, which Madoff and Stanford had used to park billions, and sought to recover the income taxes that went unpaid. The IRS is starting to follow through, opening about 100 criminal investigations into wealthy Americans who use Swiss bank UBS. The New York Times also reports that agents are even preparing indictments.
![]() ![]() The entry "IRS cracking down on offshore accounts" is tagged: investing , IRS , Madoff , offshore accounts , Ponzi schemes , Stanford |