Tax Evasion Treachery

“But in the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes” Benjamin Franklin, once quoted. As tax time rolls around many people cringe at the thought of getting their taxes done, in fear that they may owe or be audited. Others anticipate the opportunity to receive a nice chunk of change for their family vacation or a new car. Either way, tax time comes but once a year some may dread it, some may look forward to it and others will try and avoid it.

Theodora Ross, 52,  a resident of Rowlett, TX, found herself in some serious trouble after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of willfully attempting to avoid assessment of income taxes. The former senior corporal of the Dallas Police Department and head of the Dallas Crimestoppers teamed up with Malva Delley, 38, providing her with code words and tips, which allowed her to get cash rewards from JP Morgan Chase Bank. Using her position to her benefit, Ross would submit a list to the bank, containing both legitimate code words and cash rewards along with fake tip information.

Once receiving the cash payouts, Delley, would split the cash up and deposit Ross’ share into her bank account. Ross is said to have worked in the Dallas Crimestoppers Office from 2003 and headed the office from March 2006 until May 2010.

Ross admitted that she had not been forthright in her tax documents for the years 2006-2009, substantially minimizing the amount of money that she had earned as well as not taking into account the money that she had been fraudulently scheming.  In those four years Ross had failed to report earnings of close to $175,000 and did not pay $38,000 in taxes that were due.

Ross, who is currently on bond, must pay fines of up to $250,000 for her wire fraud conspiracy and up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 on the count of income tax evasion and five years of prison. Her counterpart was also fined $250,000 and up to five years in prison and will be awaiting her scheduled sentence date in September.

Tax time can be unnerving and frightening, if you fear you may be audited or would like to volunteer something to the IRS, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer who may be able to diffuse a potential tax fraud case.