Posted by Tina
“Central figure in $48M DC tax scam pleads guilty” by SARAH KARUSH, Associated Press Writer
“WASHINGTON A former manager in the District of Columbia tax office on Tuesday admitted to cutting dozens of fraudulent property tax refund checks in a scheme that drained more than $48 million from the city’s treasury over almost two decades. *** Harriette Walters, 51, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money
laundering and tax evasion. The agreement calls for Walters to serve from 15 to 18 years in prison and to pay restitution. *** U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan accepted the plea provisionally, pending his approval of the sentence. No sentencing date has been set. *** Walters, a city employee since 1981, admitted to stealing more than $48 million by issuing the refunds to friends and relatives and then sharing the proceeds with them. Nine other people have pleaded guilty in the tax scam. *** Walters assured the judge she understood the agreement. “It would give an opportunity to get out of prison and go home and see my family,” she said, choking up. She acknowledged she would never be able to pay back the money. *** Sullivan said he had “serious doubts” as to whether 15 to 18 years was a long enough sentence, but he would likely approve the sentence if the parties’ calculations under the sentencing guidelines were correct.” – AP
Character matters…we better start working on that one friends!