Former Dallas Police Officer Pleads Guilty To Federal Tax Offense

DALLAS — Stephanie Barney appeared on Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Horan and pleaded guilty to an information charging one count of making or subscribing a false income tax return. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in federal prison and a $100,000 fine. In addition, according to the terms of the plea agreement, Barney agrees to pay restitution of up to $42,941 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

According to the factual resume filed in the case, Barney admitted that in June 2007, while she was employed as an officer with the Dallas Police Department, she filed an amended joint tax return, for tax year 2006. She admitted that on that return, she claimed false medical deductions and falsely claimed a business loss that caused her to understate the amount of her taxable income.

Barney also admitted, according to the factual resume, that she filed similar false tax returns for tax years 2004 and 2005. When Barney was audited by the IRS in 2007, she provided the investigating revenue agent falsified checks and receipts in an attempt to fraudulently substantiate the questionable itemized deductions she had claimed on her 2006 tax return.

According to the factual resume, the tax loss is $42,941.58, representing the total losses for tax years 2004, 2005 and 2006.

According to an order setting conditions for her release, Barney is a resident of Dallas. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The case is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen P. Fahey is in charge of the prosecution.