SPOKANE, WA – Rhonda Ackerman, 54, of Spokane, Washington, isn’t just facing state time for ripping off Spokane County – she’s now admitted to dodging federal taxes while doing it. Ackerman pleaded guilty today to two counts of willfully failing to file federal income tax returns, adding another layer to a decade-long scheme of deceit and theft.
According to court documents, while employed as a liability claims technician at the Spokane County Department of Risk Management from 2014 to 2016, Ackerman deliberately failed to report her income to the IRS. This wasn’t an oversight; it was a calculated move by a woman already lining her pockets with stolen public funds. The U.S. Attorney’s Office intends to seek sentencing enhancements, alleging Ackerman concealed income exceeding $10,000 derived from criminal activity and improperly involved a minor in the scheme. Ackerman retains the right to challenge these enhancements.
“Law abiding taxpayers fund critical services that keep our community safe and strong,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “Each of us is responsible for filing a tax return when required and for paying the correct amount of tax due. While working for Spokane County, Ms. Ackerman chose to ignore her duty to file and pay taxes and will now face the consequences. I’m grateful to the investigators who diligently investigate tax schemes like Ms. Ackerman’s and ensure that all taxpayers pay their fair share.”
Bret Kressin, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), didn’t mince words. “Ms. Ackerman’s actions hurts all Americans,” Kressin stated. “CI will continue its efforts to hold accountable those who feel they’re above the law in partnership with the United States Attorney’s office.” The CI investigation uncovered the deliberate omissions from Ackerman’s federal filings, compounding the already substantial state charges.
This federal conviction comes on the heels of a Spokane County Superior Court sentencing where Ackerman was convicted of First Degree Theft. On January 4, 2023, she received a year in state prison and was ordered to repay Spokane County a staggering $1,378,541 – the total amount she pilfered over a decade. The pattern is clear: Ackerman saw public service as a personal enrichment opportunity, and now she’s paying the price.
Senior United States District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson will hand down the federal sentence following consideration of U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors. Ackerman is scheduled to appear before Judge Peterson on May 16, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Spokane. She faces a maximum of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, a year of supervised release, restitution, and the cost of prosecution per count. The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Spokane Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs, III. Case number: 2:22-CR-22-RMP.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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