Drew Alia, 40, of Philadelphia, PA, stood before U.S. District Court Judge Paul Diamond today and admitted to a four-year scheme of tax evasion, pleading guilty to willfully failing to file federal income tax returns from 2010 through 2013. The attorney, who operated a mortgage foreclosure rescue service, concealed more than $350,000 in earnings, dodging his legal obligations while profiting off desperate homeowners.
According to the criminal Information filed by the Department of Justice, Alia’s firm promised to save homes from foreclosure by securing alternative financing for struggling families. Instead, prosecutors say he funneled $28,000 in 2010, $107,000 in 2011, $144,000 in 2012, and $71,000 in 2013 directly into his own pockets—none of which was reported to the IRS. No tax returns were filed for any of those years, despite his clear obligation as a licensed attorney and business operator.
Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappe confirmed the plea, underscoring that Alia’s actions weren’t an oversight—they were deliberate. “This wasn’t confusion over tax law,” Lappe stated. “This was a calculated choice to live off the fears of working-class families while vanishing from the tax system entirely.”
Gregory Floyd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Philadelphia Field Office, issued a sharp warning during a post-court briefing: “As we begin the 2017 filing season, American taxpayers are reminded that the term voluntary compliance means that each of us is responsible for filing a tax return when required and for paying the correct amount of tax. That responsibility should not be taken lightly. Mr. Alia chose to ignore his duty to file and pay taxes; thus he must be held accountable for his actions.”
Now facing the consequences, Alia risks up to 4 years in federal prison, a fine of $400,000, and 1 year of supervised release at sentencing. The case dismantles the myth of the white-collar offender as a victim of complexity—Alia, a man trained in law, exploited both his profession and the system.
The investigation was led by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division out of its Philadelphia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Floyd J. Miller is prosecuting the case, sending a clear message: even those who claim to rescue others from financial ruin won’t be rescued from their own crimes.
RELATED: Mary Fixico Pleads Guilty to Stealing Mail, Counterfeiting Cash
RELATED: Ex-Tax Judge Diane Kroupa Pleads Guilty to $450K IRS Fraud
Related Federal Cases
- Ebensburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Scheme · Maryland
- Mangis Sentenced For $70K Wire Fraud Scheme · Pennsylvania
- PA Businessman Pleads Guilty to $473K IRS Tax Fraud · Pennsylvania
- Gibsonia Accountant Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud · Pennsylvania
- Arts & Crafts Fraud: Medicare Hit for $200K · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News