Related Federal Cases
- Anesthesiologist Dr. Sperrazza Sentenced for Tax Evasion and Currency Structuring · Georgia
- Tipton Family Accused of Cocaine Traffic, Tax Evasion · Texas
- Houma CPA Facing Ban for Faking Tax Deductions · Florida
- Ex-Tax Auditor Plunkett Hit with Tax Fraud Charges · New York
- RCI Execs Hit With Bribery and Tax Fraud Charges · New York
Former DEA Agent Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Witness Tampering
Tampa, FL – In a shocking turn of events, former DEA Agent Samuel Murad, 62, of Clearwater, has pleaded guilty to tax evasion and witness tampering charges. The maximum penalty for tax evasion is 5 years in prison, while witness tampering carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.
Murad’s sentencing hearing is set for August 4, 2016. According to the plea agreement, Murad’s troubles began in the mid-1990s while he was serving as a DEA Special Agent in an investigation of a marijuana importation conspiracy. One of the participants, J.P., was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
After Murad retired from the DEA in 2009, J.P.’s attorney hired him to assist with their effort to obtain a reduction in J.P.’s prison sentence. However, due to federal law, Murad was prohibited from being physically present in any formal or informal setting on behalf of J.P. or communicating with the government with the intent to influence it.
Undeterred, Murad continued to secretly work on the case, communicating with DEA Special Agent Robert Joseph Quinn about the sentence reduction effort. In June 2012, Murad became frustrated when he didn’t receive payment for his involvement and sent a series of emails to J.P.’s brother demanding large sums of money. He eventually received $223,000 in cash from J.P.’s brother, which he failed to report on his taxes.
Murad’s actions did not go unnoticed, and the FBI began investigating the matter. In an interview with the FBI, Agent Quinn lied about Murad not receiving any money for his work on the case. Murad then attempted to corruptly persuade Agent Quinn not to provide the FBI with information about the cash payment and his concealment of those funds.
The investigation revealed that Murad had taken $223,800 in cash from J.P.’s brother and had put it in a safe deposit box. He never paid taxes on the money, and his actions have left him facing serious consequences. With his guilty plea, Murad has ensured that he will spend time behind bars, a fitting punishment for his crimes.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and the consequences of breaking it. As this case comes to a close, the community can rest assured that justice has been served.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News