Washington, D.C. Police Officer Indicted for Tax Fraud

WASHINGTON - A federal grand jury in Washington returned an indictment charging Michael C. Irving with federal and District of Columbia tax fraud charges, the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today. The nine-count indictment alleges that Irving, who is a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, filed false claims for refunds with the IRS, evaded federal income tax, and committed District of Columbia felonies of fraud in the first degree and tax evasion.

According to the indictment, Irving earned wages from the MPD in the amount of $155,211 in 2002, $152,153 in 2003, $136,962 in 2004 and $181,913 in 2005. The indictment alleges that in 2002, Irving filed two false claims with the IRS seeking refunds to which he was not entitled, and failed to file tax returns and pay federal income taxes for 2003, 2004 and 2005.

If convicted, Irving faces a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the federal charges. He faces an additional maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison on the District of Columbia felonies.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Today’s indictment resulted from a joint investigation by the IRS and the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue. More information about the Justice Department’s efforts against income tax evaders can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/tax/taxpress2007.htm.