David Carl Hayes, Embezzlement & Tax Evasion, Missouri 2024

A Springfield accountant has been caught in a web of deceit and greed, embezzling over $3 million from two organizations and evading taxes to the tune of $2 million.

David Carl Hayes, 59, of Springfield, pleaded guilty in federal court to two embezzlement schemes and tax evasion. He admitted to embezzling $1,965,476 from Alternative Opportunities, a Springfield not-for-profit company that provides mental and behavioral health treatment and counseling, substance abuse treatment and counseling, employment assistance, aid to individuals with developmental disabilities, and medical services.

Hayes also admitted to embezzling $1,029,000 from Carnahan-White Fence and Iron, Inc., a Springfield company, in a wire fraud scheme. He used the money to fund his own lavish lifestyle, depositing the checks into his personal checking account.

Hayes’ tax evasion scheme was just as brazen. He failed to report $776,340 of income from Alternative Opportunities when he filed his federal income tax return for 2013, and he did not file tax returns for the years 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015.

As a result, the total tax harm Hayes caused for years 2011 through 2016 was $1,741,788 in federal taxes due and owing, and $316,162 in state taxes due and owing.

Hayes’ crimes have left a trail of devastation in their wake. Alternative Opportunities, a non-profit organization that provides vital services to thousands of people, was left reeling from the loss of nearly $2 million. Carnahan-White Fence and Iron, Inc., a family-owned business, was also severely affected by Hayes’ embezzlement scheme.

Under federal statutes, Hayes is subject to a sentence of up to 33 years in federal prison without parole. His sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

The crimes committed by David Carl Hayes are a reminder that greed and deceit have no place in our society. His case serves as a warning to all individuals and organizations that the consequences of such actions will be severe.

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