A former Internal Revenue Service revenue agent has pleaded guilty to theft of public funds after she was discovered to have inflated the amount of time and travel she spent on cases.
Becky L. Book, 49, of Pittsburg, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds. In her plea, she admitted that while she worked as an IRS revenue agent she documented a significant amount of time spent on cases on which she did not actually work. In addition, she admitted to preparing 14 travel vouchers claiming mileage used on traveling to taxpayer appointments that she never attended. The total loss to the government was $26,449.65.
Sentencing is set for May 23. Book faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution costs.
U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom of Kansas commended the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
2 Comments
Surprising that someone would risk jail time and a significant fine for $26,450. Presumably the amount includes remuneration for the time as well as the mileage.
Posted by: jgottselig | February 19, 2013 12:27 PM
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That is an amazing amount of money to have been run up here. I understand wanting to get out of Pittsburg, KS, but where did this person go, Vegas?
Posted by: topbeancounter | February 19, 2013 11:32 AM
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