Vernon Matthews, Tax Evasion, Texas 2014

Tax Evasion Rocks Law Enforcement Community in Texas

Vernon Matthews, a 21-year veteran of law enforcement, has been charged with tax evasion in Texas.

According to the indictment, Matthews obtained names and identifying information of the children of parents he contacted during his service as a deputy constable in Precinct 6.

Matthews then allegedly claimed the children as dependent nephews and nieces on his 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011 tax returns. He also claimed “child care” and educational expenses for his non-existent relatives and made false statements to the FBI when questioned about the claims in a March 2013 interview, according to allegations.

If convicted, Matthews faces up to five years in federal prison on the false statement charge and each of the four counts of tax evasion. Making a false statement also carries a possible $250,000 fine, while the tax evasion charges could result in a $100,000 fine on each conviction.

Matthews was charged in a five-count indictment returned on February 11, 2014 and surrendered to authorities this morning. He is set to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge George C. Hanks at 2:00 p.m. today.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, FBI, and the Texas Rangers investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorney James McAlister prosecuting.

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