Webster Man Charged With Forging Irs Release Of Levy

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Brian Becker, 40, of Webster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with falsely impersonating an IRS official and interfering with the administration of the tax laws. The charges carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Becker was the subject of a collections action by the Internal Revenue Service that resulted in the garnishment of his wages and his wife’s wages.  Thereafter, the defendant forged an IRS Release of Levy, which he provided to his employer and his wife’s employer. As a result of the fraudulent releases, the employers stopped garnishing the wages of both Becker and his wife.
 
The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman.  Becker was released on conditions.
 
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert E. O’Malley.
 
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.