IRS Agent Accused of Stealing Tax Refunds

[The Straight Story]

IRS Agent Accused of Stealing Tax Refunds

Most taxpayers feel like Uncle Sam is simply taking their money, and one IRS agent may have proven the feeling correct.

Fern Stephens, a revenue officer at the Internal Revenue Service, is being charged by the U.S. Attorney's office for stealing more than $160,000 in unclaimed tax funds from 12 taxpayers, according to federal court documents.

If convicted of all counts of mail fraud, theft of gonvernment funds, and unlawful access of a government computer, Stephens faces a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison.

In one instance the U.S. Attorney's office accuses Stephen of duping $3,340 from a Manhattan-based bankrupt company by claiming that the principal of the business asked for the money by the IRS and then pocketing it herself.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/IRS-Agent-Accused-of-Stealing-Tax-Refunds-112101854.html