Tax Crime Junkies

Episode Description:

Last episode, we explored the rise and fall of Joe Conforte, the cunning owner of Nevada's most notorious brothel. This week, the tables turn as we investigate the investigator. Kemp Shiffer’s career was defined by his pursuit of Conforte, but it seems the lines blurred between law and crime. Find out how Shiffer went from IRS agent to a criminal defendant, and how his obsession with Conforte’s empire led him to try his hand in the very business he once sought to shut down.

Key Highlights:

• Recap of Part 1: A brief look back at Joe Conforte's criminal empire, the seizure of Mustang Ranch, and his ultimate escape to Brazil.

Quotes from the Episode:

• "Joe Conforte was a crook, but he was a brilliant crook. Kemp Shiffer knew this better than anyone, but somewhere along the line, he decided to follow Joe's playbook." — Dom

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Episode Description:

You’ll learn how Conforte went from hustling sailors in Oakland to navigating the murky waters of legal sex work, bribing officials, and playing cat-and-mouse with the IRS. As Conforte expands his business and fights for legitimacy, he draws the ire of powerful enemies, leading to a series of legal battles and charges of tax evasion.

Discover how Conforte used unconventional tax strategies, including the notorious Sullivan returns, to outmaneuver the IRS—until they finally caught up with him. But in true Conforte fashion, when facing a lengthy prison sentence, he escapes to Brazil, becoming a fugitive and living out his days in exile.

Key Highlights:

• The Early Years: How Conforte’s Sicilian roots and early life in America shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and disdain for authority.

Quotes from the Episode:

• "He’s a modern-day outlaw, thumbing his nose at the U.S. government from the banks of the Truckee River." — Dom

Stay Tuned For Part 2!

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Recorded Live from The Tax Planning Summit and Reunion 2024 in Detroit

Episode Title: Mom Made Me Do It: The Astonishing Case of Misty Brotherton Tanner

Show Notes:

Welcome to a special live recording of Tax Crime Junkies! In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience at The Tax Planning Summit and Reunion 2024 in Detroit, Dominique and Tom delve into the riveting case of Misty Brotherton Tanner, an accountant who turned trust into treachery, orchestrating a scheme that defrauded multiple companies of over half a million dollars.

Episode Highlights:

• The Setup: Misty Brotherton Tanner, a trusted accountant, manipulates payroll systems, creates ghost employees, and fabricates IRS documents to steal from her employers.

Key Takeaways for Tax Professionals:

• Recognizing Red Flags: Learn from the audience’s shared experiences on identifying the warning signs of fraud in client accounts.

Special Thanks:

Stay Connected:

Follow Us:

• Website:https://www.taxcrimejunkies.com

Episode Summary: Continuing from our last episode, we dive deeper into the fraudulent tax shelter orchestrated by Michael L. Meyer, known as the "Ultimate Tax Plan." This episode explores the broader impact of this scam, from the high rollers who manipulated the system to the innocent bystanders and the tenacious IRS agents who brought them to justice.

What You'll Learn:

• Broader Impact of Fraud: How the scam affected the financial system and the victims ensnared in its web.

Featured in This Episode:

• Dominique: CPA certified tax strategist with a law degree, leading the American Institute of Certified Tax Planners.

Key Moments:

• Recap of the Ultimate Tax Plan's initial exposure and its setup.

Resources:

• Department of Justice: Information on the civil lawsuit against Michael and the permanent injunction.

Call to Action:

Subscribe to Tax Crime Junkies for more fascinating insights into the world of tax fraud. Share this episode with your network to help spread awareness about these sophisticated scams. Join us next week as we continue to uncover the truth behind the most intriguing tax crimes.

Hosts: Dominique Molina and Tom Gorczynski

In this episode of "Tax Crime Junkies," we delve into the shady dealings of Michael L. Meyer and his notorious "Ultimate Tax Plan." Discover how Meyer, posing as a trustworthy professional, lured financial planners and their wealthy clients into a fraudulent scheme promising massive tax breaks without real charitable contributions. Through a network of bogus charities and deceitful appraisals, Meyer managed to orchestrate one of the most elaborate tax frauds in recent history.

• The Mechanics of the Ultimate Tax Plan: How it promised tax benefits through fake charities and non-existent charitable contributions.

• Deep Dive into the Scheme: An analysis of how the Ultimate Tax Plan worked, including the use of LLCs and the fake appraisal process.

• Subscribe to Tax Crime Junkies for more deep dives into the world of tax fraud and real-life crime stories.

Stay tuned for the next episode of "Tax Crime Junkies," where we’ll explore the broader consequences of Meyer’s scheme on the financial industry and the relentless pursuit by the IRS to bring justice. We'll also feature personal stories from those caught in the crossfire of this deceitful plan.

Episode Summary: In this eye-opening episode of Tax Crime Junkies, your hosts Dominique and Tom delve into the complex and shocking world of Alan Fabian. A seemingly perfect citizen, family man, and business mogul, Alan's life took a dark turn into criminal activity, culminating in a 23-count criminal indictment in 2007. Discover how Alan's insatiable greed and savvy schemes fooled everyone around him and led to his downfall.

What You'll Learn:

• The Double Life of Alan Fabian: How a respected businessman and community member orchestrated a multi-million dollar fraud.

Featured in This Episode:

• Dominique: CPA certified tax strategist with a degree in law, leading the American Institute of Certified Tax Planners.

Key Moments:

• [00:01:30] Introduction to Alan Fabian's seemingly perfect life and the initial shock of his criminal indictment.

Resources:

• Arthur Andersen & Enron Scandal: Background on the firm where Alan began his career and its infamous collapse.

Subscribe to Tax Crime Junkies to stay updated on the most fascinating tax crime stories. Share this episode with friends who love true crime, mysteries, or just a good story about justice served. Join us next week as we continue to explore the intricate web of tax fraud and the efforts to combat it.

This April Fool's Day, "Tax Crime Junkies" takes a detour from the usual maze of numbers and legal intrigue to bring you something completely different—a bonus episode packed with our most hilarious bloopers!

Join Dom and Tom as they let their guard down and share the moments that didn't make the cut. From tongue-tied explanations of tax legislation to unexpectedly comedic interpretations of courtroom drama, "No Joke Left Behind: The Tax Crime Junkies' Blooper Bonanza" promises a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lighter side of making a tax crime podcast.

Expect laughter, a few facepalms, and an insider’s look at the mishaps and mispronunciations that happen when tax law gets too taxing. It's the content you never knew you needed, proving that even in the world of tax crime, there's plenty of room for a good laugh.

So, forget the calculators and legal briefs for a moment, and join us for an episode that celebrates the joy of unscripted moments and the human side of tax crime sleuthing. Because sometimes, the best way to tackle the complexities of tax law is with a hearty dose of humor.

"No Joke Left Behind: The Tax Crime Junkies' Blooper Bonanza"—where the only thing audited is our ability to keep a straight face.

Episode Summary:

Key Episode Highlights:

Rebuilding After the Verdict: Kelly discusses the challenges of rebuilding his life and career following the resolution of his case, including the steps he's taken to regain trust and credibility in his community.

Lessons Learned: Reflecting on his ordeal, Kelly shares the valuable lessons he learned about the legal system, tax law, and personal resilience.

Advocacy and Change: Discover how Kelly's experiences have inspired him to become an advocate for change, including his work to support individuals facing similar legal challenges and his efforts to promote reforms within the tax preparation industry.

The Personal Toll: A candid look at the emotional and psychological impact of the trial on Kelly and his family, highlighting the often-overlooked human element of legal battles.

Looking Forward: Kelly talks about his hopes for the future, including his professional goals, personal aspirations, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Advice for Tax Preparers and Taxpayers: Drawing from his wealth of experience, Kelly offers advice for tax preparers and taxpayers alike, emphasizing the importance of diligence, honesty, and seeking knowledgeable guidance.

• Share Your Story: We invite listeners to share their own experiences with tax law, legal challenges, or personal redemption. Connect with us via social media or email.

Connect with "Tax Crime Junkies":

• Twitter: [@TaxCrimeJunkies]

Special Thanks:

Episode Summary:

Don't Miss - who Frank says is fat, bald headed pigtails on a flying carpet. 

In an unprecedented episode of "Tax Crime Junkies," hosts Dom and Tom sit down with Frank Kelly, the tax preparer at the heart of the United States v. Frank Kelly case. After navigating through a harrowing legal battle against charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, Kelly shares his side of the story in an exclusive, revealing interview. Listen as Kelly delves into the intricacies of his case, the emotional toll of the trial, and his candid thoughts on the justice system.

Key Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Frank Kelly: A brief overview of Kelly's background, his career as a tax preparer, and the events leading up to his indictment.

The Charges Explained: Kelly offers his perspective on the charges brought against him, providing clarity on the legal accusations and their implications.

The Trial: An in-depth look at the trial proceedings from Kelly's viewpoint, including his defense strategy, key moments in the courtroom, and the role of his legal team.

Engage with Us:

Feedback and Further Questions: Encouraging listeners to share their thoughts on the interview and submit any additional questions they might have for Kelly or the hosts.

Follow Us: Reminding listeners to follow the podcast on social media for updates, bonus content, and announcements of upcoming episodes.

Connect with "Tax Crime Junkies":

• Twitter: @TaxCrimeJunkies

Special Thanks:

Episode Summary:

Key Episode Highlights:

• The Beginning: The episode kicks off with the story of an auto repair shop owner embroiled in a tax controversy, setting the stage for Frank Kelly's entrance and the ensuing legal drama.

Engage with Us:

• Feedback and Questions: Have thoughts or questions about this episode? Email us or connect on Twitter @TaxCrimeJunkies

Connect with "Tax Crime Junkies":

• Twitter: @TaxCrimeJunkiesPod

Special Thanks:

Stay tuned for more tales from the world of tax crime, and remember, in the world of numbers and legal battles, there's always a story waiting to be told.