IRS Employee Charged With Obstruction
PHILADELPHIA - Clare Toohey, 54, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by indictment with obstruction of proceedings before a department, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger and Inspector General J. Russell George with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
The IRS rules of conduct for employees prohibit employees from accepting gifts, compensation, or favors in exchange for preparing tax returns. According to the indictment, Toohey, while an IRS contact representative, violated those rules and then attempted to obstruct an investigation of her alleged conduct by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Toohey allegedly encouraged potential witnesses to lie to investigators.
If convicted of the charge, Toohey faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a three year period of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525
