Nicole Johnson, Disclosing Tax Return Information, Massachusetts 2016

BOSTON – A former IRS employee abused her position to disclose sensitive information to her boyfriend, revealing the darker side of tax return confidentiality. Nicole Johnson, a 41-year-old resident of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced to two years of probation after conspiring to access government computers and disclose tax return information.

Johnson, who served as an Internal Revenue Service customer representative from January 2011 through April 2014, used her position to access the confidential tax returns of her boyfriend’s former girlfriends, work colleagues, and debtors. She then provided this sensitive information to her boyfriend, Stephen Marshall, a debt collector. This egregious breach of trust has left many questioning the security measures in place at the IRS.

Marshall, who was also involved in the conspiracy, was sentenced to two years of probation on November 8, 2016. Both Johnson and Marshall were found guilty of conspiracy to commit unauthorized access to a government computer and unauthorized disclosure of tax return information.

The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, New York Field Division, led the investigation into Johnson’s actions. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Giselle J. Joffre prosecuted the case, with U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz making the announcement.

Johnson’s actions have sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the importance of maintaining confidentiality and the severe consequences of breaching it. The IRS has taken steps to increase security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The case serves as a reminder that trust is a two-way street, and those who abuse their positions of power will face the full weight of the law. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the consequences of Johnson’s actions will be far-reaching and severe.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality and the severe consequences of breaching it. The case has sparked a renewed focus on the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

Defendant/Respondent: Nicole Johnson

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit unauthorized access to a government computer and unauthorized disclosure of tax return information

City and State: Boston, Massachusetts

Exact Date: March 2016 and November 8, 2016

Sentence or Outcome: Two years of probation and termination of employment at the IRS

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