Retired IRS Agent Sentenced to 46 Months for Tax Fraud

From the U.S. Attorney in Kansas City:

Thomas W. Steelman, 72, Blue Springs, Mo., has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for his part in a tax fraud scheme by a defunct Topeka firm called Renaissance, the Tax People. Steelman also was ordered to pay more than $10.6 million in restitution to the IRS.

In April 2002, Steelman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS and to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, and nine counts of preparing fraudulent federal income tax returns. In his plea, Steelman admitted he used the fact he was a retired IRS agent to overcome objections and questions about a tax program Renaissance offered its clients.

(Hat Tip:  Web CPA.)