Tax Crime Junkies

All Episodes (38)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new

1. 

   1. Episode 38 Charities, Tax Shelters, and Crimes...Oh My! The story of Michael L Meyers and the Ultimate Tax Plan

   Show Notes for Episode 38: Charities, Tax Shelters, and Crimes...Oh My!Hosts: Dominique Molina and Tom GorczynskiSummaryIn 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 decei

   Apr 24,2024 29:34
2. 

   2. Episode 37 JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU KNOW A PERSON: ALAN FABIAN’S SAVVY SCHEME

   Show Notes for Tax Crime Junkies: "Just When You Think You Know a Person: Alan Fabian’s Savvy Scheme"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 aroun

   Apr 11,2024 36:28
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   3. Special Bonus Episode 36: No Joke Left Behind: The Tax Crime Junkies' Blooper Bonanza

   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-scene

   Apr 01,2024 02:44
4. 

   4. Episode 35: The Road to Redemption: Frank Kelly's Journey Continues Part 2

   Episode Summary:In this compelling follow-up episode of "Tax Crime Junkies," hosts Dom and Tom continue their deep dive with Frank Kelly, the tax preparer whose battle against federal charges captivated our audience. In Part 2 of our exclusive interview, Kelly opens up about the aftermath of his trial, his journey towards personal and professional redemption, and his ongoing efforts to advocate for fairness and transparency in the tax system.Key Episode Highlights:Rebuilding After the Verdict: K

   Mar 27,2024 28:45
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   5. Episode 34: An Insider's Tale: Frank Kelly Speaks Out

   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

   Mar 13,2024 27:35
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   6. Episode 33 The Case of the Cautious Preparer

   Episode Summary:In this gripping episode of "Tax Crime Junkies," hosts Dom and Tom delve into the captivating case of United States v. Frank Kelly, a story that navigates the murky waters of tax law, justice, and the lengths to which individuals will go to contest the might of the IRS. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly innocuous auto repair shop in Pennsylvania, this episode unravels the complex legal battle faced by tax preparer Frank Kelly, charged with conspiracy to defraud the United S

   Feb 28,2024 52:16
7. 

   7. An Intriguing Saga of Tax Evasion and Legal Battles

   Prepare for another riveting episode of Tax Crime Junkies as we venture into the controversial world of the famed Chrisley family. Unravel their tumultuous journey from celebrity status to courtrooms through our meticulously constructed narrative. Explore the depth of their legal battles, the shocking accusations of embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering, and their surprising resilience amidst hardships.Join hosts Dom and Tom on a deep dive into the intricate network of the Chrisleys' controv

   Feb 14,2024 39:53
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   8. Episode 31 The Southport Scandal: Unraveling a Financial Prodigy's Web of Deceit Part II

   Welcome to the latest episode of Tax Crime Junkies, where we take a deep dive into the infamous South Lane Enterprise scandal. Join this exhilarating journey as hosts Dom and Tom chat with special guest, certified fraud examiner Richard Bailey about the ins and outs of famously exposing a staggering $350 million fraud.A phone call in the summer of 2013 marked the beginning of the riveting tale woven with greed, fraud, and the spectacular downfall of South Lane Enterprise. Bailey narrates the thr

   Jan 31,2024 27:45
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   9. Episode 30 The Southport Scandal: Unraveling a Financial Prodigy's Web of Deceit

   Show Notes:Welcome back to another episode of Tax Crime Junkies! In this thrilling episode, we dive deep into the infamous Southport Lane scandal, a story of financial manipulation, deceit, and a downfall that shook the world of private equity.Hosts: Dom and TomSpecial Guest: Richard Bailey, Certified Fraud Examiner and author of "Pirate Cove:An Insider's Account of the Infamous Southport Lane Scandal" Episode Highlights:Introduction to Richard Bailey (00:02:00): We introduce our special guest,

   Jan 17,2024 30:22
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    10. EPISODE 29:DELINQUENT JUDGES AND JUVENILE DELINQUENTS PART II

    Tax Crime Junkies: “Delinquent Judges and Juvenile Delinquents” - Part TwoWelcome back to the gripping conclusion of our two-part series on the notorious "Kids for Cash" scandal. Hosts Dominique Molina, a CPA certified tax strategist, and Tom Gorczynski, an enrolled agent and tax instructor, delve deep into the corrupt world of two Pennsylvania judges, Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan.Episode Highlights:The Kids for Cash Scandal: Unpacking the scandalous activities of Judges Ciavarella and Co

    Jan 05,2024 38:20
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    11. Episode 28: Kids for Cash: The Dark Side of Juvenile Justice Part 1

    Episode Title: Kids for Cash: The Dark Side of Juvenile JusticeEpisode Summary: In this riveting two-part episode of "Tax Crime Junkies," hosts Dominique Molina and Tom Gorczynski delve into the infamous Kids for Cash scandal. This series uncovers the shocking exploitation of the juvenile justice system by two Pennsylvania judges, Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan, who used their positions for personal financial gain. The episode unfolds a tale of corruption, greed, and the devastating impact

    Dec 20,2023 31:44
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    12. Episode 27: The Taxing Truth: Inside Stories from the IRS Frontline

    Episode Summary:In this gripping episode of "Tax Crime Junkies," we are joined by Anna Mace, a former IRS Revenue Officer and author of "Tax Me If You Can: Tax Cheats, Government Waste, and the Shooter." Anna's 15-year tenure at the IRS, filled with intense experiences and critical insights, shapes a fascinating discussion about the complexities of tax collection, government bureaucracy, and taxpayer interactions.Key Highlights:Anna's IRS Journey:Anna shares her journey as a Revenue Officer, rev

    Dec 05,2023 41:24
13. 

    13. HOW TO NOT GET AWAY WITH MURDER - THE CASE OF RANDY NOWAK

    Episode Summary: In this gripping episode of "Tax Crime Junkies," hosts Dominique and Tom delve into a true crime story that intertwines tax evasion with a murder-for-hire plot. The episode focuses on Randy Nowak, a Florida-based carpentry contractor and antique car enthusiast, who finds himself in hot water with the IRS. When faced with an audit and the discovery of his hidden offshore millions, Randy panics and spirals down a dark path.Key Highlights:The American Dream Turned Nightmare:Randy N

    Nov 21,2023 34:39
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    14. Episode 25: The Illusion of Easy Money: Unmasking the Secret Escrow Scam

    Show Notes:Hosts Dominique and Tom introduce the episode's theme, focusing on a sophisticated scam targeting homeowners.The hosts discuss the allure of easy money:, describing how the scam preyed on new homeowners with the promise of a secret escrow account leading to large tax refunds.Unpacking the Scam:The mechanics of the scam are explained, highlighting how the fraudulent scheme involved amending tax returns and fabricating financial documents.The Players:Introduction of the key figures behi

    Nov 09,2023 37:34
15. 

    15. Episode 24: How Sarma Melngailis, Queen of Vegan Cuisine, Became a Runaway Tax Fugitive Part II

    Show Notes: Tax Crime Junkies Episode - "The Vegan Vixen and the Vegas Vanishing Act" (Part 2 - Continuation)In the thrilling conclusion of our episode on Sarma Melngailis, we delve even deeper into the shocking aftermath of her fall from grace and the complex web of deceit spun by her husband, Anthony Strangis.The Legal Consequences:Sarma and Anthony faced serious charges, including grand larceny, tax fraud, and labor violations, with a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years if convicted.S

    Oct 20,2023 37:33
16. 

    16. Episode 23: How Sarma Melngailis, Queen of Vegan Cuisine, Became a Runaway Tax Fugitive Part I

    In this gripping episode of Tax Crime Junkies, dive deep into the whirlwind world of Sarma Melngailis, the culinary genius behind New York City's famed vegan restaurant, "Pure Food and Wine." From her meteoric rise in the culinary world to her unexpected entanglement with the enigmatic Anthony Strangis, discover how ambition, love, and deception can intertwine in the most unexpected ways. As financial mysteries unravel and personal betrayals come to light, join hosts Dominique and Tom as they un

    Oct 02,2023 37:49
17. 

    17. Episode 22: Desperate Deals: The Rise and Fall of a King and His Tax Castle

    Episode Title: Desperate Deals: The Rise and Fall of a King and His Tax CastleEpisode Summary:In this gripping episode of Tax Crime Junkies, hosts Dom and Tom delve into the shocking true story of King Isaac Umoren, a tax preparer turned criminal mastermind. From impersonating an FBI agent to selling a fraudulent tax business, Umoren's tale is a cautionary one, filled with deceit, audacity, and a web of lies that ensnared not just him but also his employees and clients.What You'll Learn:How King

    Sep 08,2023 36:45
18. 

    18. EPISODE 21: Concerts and Con Artists: Inside the Multi Million Dollar Music Fraud Scheme THE CASE OF MICHAEL BANUELOS- FERRARI MIKE

    Key Takeaways:The Facade of Luxury: Michael Banuelos, aka Ferrari Mike, portrayed a life of luxury, but it was all built on lies.A Web of Deceit: Michael's scams ranged from fake concert tours to counterfeit documentation, defrauding investors of over $2 million.A Shocking Past: Michael's criminal activities date back to his time as a deputy sheriff in Los Angeles.The Victims: From aspiring artists to seasoned investors, many were ensnared in Michael's web of deceit.Facing the Music: The evidenc

    Aug 10,2023 39:02
19. 

    19. Episode 20: Concerts and Con Artists Inside the Multi Million Dollar Music Fraud Scheme” THE CASE OF MICHAEL BANUELOS - FERRARI MIKE CASE

    In this episode, Dominique and Tom dive into the multi million dollar music fraud scheme of Michael Banuelos, better known as Ferrari Mike. From 2005 to 2012, Mike swindled nearly 3 million dollars out of multiple investors all while living the high life off of their hard earned money. He makes himself out to be a big shot with impressive connections to top recording artists like Ludacris, Usher and Chris Brown. He even produces a fake video of his home on MTV Cribs to convince people of how str

    Aug 01,2023 33:35
20. 

    20. Episode 19: Justice Delayed Is Not Justice Denied. Solving The Cold Case Of Price Waterhouse Accountant Julie Bucalo

    In this episode, Dom & Tom discuss the case of Ralph Baldenegro, a former firefighter and current inmate, who took over two decades to solve. Baldenegro, a 42-year-old former firefighter, worked as security for the firm and had left the Santa Clara Fire Department in disgrace a few years earlier after an assault conviction and dismissal. The podcast explores the circumstances that led Baldenegro to turn from a protector to a perpetrator, and how DNA linked him to the brutal murder scene at Bucal

    Jul 25,2023 30:26
21. 

    21. Episode 18: When Tax Work Pressures Lead to Murder

    Trigger WARNING: This episode contains discussions of extreme acts of violence with guns in the workplace.  Listeners take care.  While some people are able to receive constructive criticism and move on, others can obsess on what they see as a failure, and when they blame their boss, co-workers, or even just the person that does the firing. This is the story of Anthony LaCalamita, who, after being fired during tax season, plotted the worst revenge possible against his co-workers and boss at the

    Jul 19,2023 42:52
22. 

    22. Uncharted Territories: Expatriation, Risky Returns, and the IRS’s Watchful Eye: The Story of Oleg Tinkov

    In this episode, Tax Pros Dominique and Tom discuss the recent case of billionaire Russian bank magnate Oleg Tinkov, who pleaded guilty to tax fraud and agreed to pay over $500 million for misrepresenting his net worth on a tax form. Join us as we delve into the details of the case and offer tips and advice to help listeners avoid making similar mistakes when it comes to taxes. Key takeaways:The importance of being honest and accurate when reporting your net worth and income on tax formsUndersta

    Jun 21,2023 36:50
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    23. Episode 16 Web of Suspicion: Unraveling the Mystery Surrounding John McAfee - Part 2

    In this episode, CPAs Dominique and Tom discuss the life, death, and tax crimes of John McAfee! Dominique and Tom, unpack part 2 of a story about John McAfee, a tech pioneer and libertarian who was also a fugitive on the run. The hosts unpacked a lot about his colorful and controversial life in the previous episode and continue to do so in this one. They start by discussing what happened to the dead dogs in McAfee's backyard and reveal that the government had cut off their heads to look for bull

    Jun 13,2023 34:38
24. 

    24. Episode 15: Web of Suspicion: Unraveling the Mystery Surrounding John McAfee - Part 1

    Episodes Notes: In this episode, CPA Dominique and EA Tom discuss the life, death, and tax crimes of John McAfee! Dominique and Tom, introduce a two-part series on the life and death of John McAfee. John was the founder of the first antivirus software company and was a tech pioneer who made millions of dollars. He was also a fugitive who claimed to be hunted by government agencies and drug cartels alike. He had run-ins with the IRS for not filing tax returns for over a decade. John used various

    Jun 06,2023 36:34
25. 

    25. Episode 14: Fatal Secrets: The Twisted Saga of a Tax Attorney’s Vengeance Part II

    This episode concludes the twisted saga of a tax attorney’s vengeance, putting together the last of the puzzle pieces to finally determine just what happened to Ashley Pallow. When we last left off, there had already been multiple tax crimes and four murders associated with this case. Michelle was in jail for an unrelated charge and new witness Christopher Higgins had just entered the scene. Christopher, another former employee of Ashley’s, takes the story in a whole new direction when he comes

    May 30,2023 38:23
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    26. Episode 13: Fatal Secrets: The Twisted Saga of a Tax Attorney’s Vengeance

    This episode unveils the twisted saga of a tax attorney’s vengeance that resulted in not one, but multiple murders. Ashley Pallow was a tax attorney from St. Lucie, Florida who had a bit of a reputation for being aggressive and for pushing the boundaries of the law. Incredibly, Ashley himself had been charged with murder prior to his own, but was acquitted due to lack of evidence. Ashley seems to be a magnet for murder! Just six months before ending up dead and wrapped in an acid-covered rug in

    May 23,2023 32:13
27. 

    27. Episode 12: Uncovering the Costly Consequences of CPA Burnout: The Case of Roger Stadtmueller’s Tax Fraud

    In this episode, CPAs and hosts Dominique and Tom cover information about tax fraud cases and how they can be prevented. Today, the main focus is on the tax fraud case of the very overwhelmed Roger Stadtmueller, a certified public accountant who had his license revoked and was fined for committing tax fraud. We also discuss the stress of tax season and how easy it is for CPA’s to experience burnout. Life doesn’t stop for accountants simply because of deadlines and in this case, life’s problems c

    May 17,2023 28:27
28. 

    28. Episode 11: From Garbage Man To Jailbird: His Career Took A Trashy Turn and He Took His CPA With Him Part II

    This episode reveals the shocking conclusion of the story of Wagdy Guirguis and his CPA Michael Higa. The IRS’s investigation of Hawaii Pacific Finance reveals that for nearly 12 years, Wagdy was having Michael divert funds to his personal accounts, amounting to $1.3 million. In an attempt to make it seem like he did not owe any taxes, Wagdy orders his bookkeeper to remove certain transactions from the records. In 2017, both Wagdy and Michael were indicted on multiple charges of tax evasion. In

    May 09,2023 38:46
29. 

    29. Episode 10: From Garbage Man To Jailbird: His Career Took A Trashy Turn and He Took His CPA With Him

    This episode unveils the beginning of the story of Wagdy Guirguis, a garbage man turned jailbird whose career took such a trashy turn that he even took his CPA down with him. Wagdy owned multiple business entities, one of which was GMP Associates. Right from the beginning when he founded GMP Associates in 1999, he began to perform payroll tax evasion. When the IRS realized he was stealing from his employees, they added over $800,000 in trust fund recovery penalties to his debt. In 2003, Wagdy de

    May 02,2023 28:43
30. 

    30. Episode 9: The Fall of Steve Martinez: From IRS Employee to Convicted Con Artist Part 2

    This episode tells the second half of the story of Steve Martinez, an IRS employee turned con artist who committed fraud and tax evasion, and even attempted to hire someone to murder witnesses against him. Martinez made outrageous requests to the court, including asking for permission to go on a Disney cruise with his family, and later claimed he had Asperger's syndrome to avoid responsibility for his actions. He was ultimately sentenced to 24 years in prison and ordered to pay $14 million in re

    Apr 25,2023 38:36
31. 

    31. Episode 8: The Fall of Steve Martinez: From IRS Employee to Convicted Con Artist

    Today’s episode reveals part one of the incredible true story of Steve Martinez, a former IRS agent and CPA turned con artist. Steve ran an intricate scheme committing tax evasion on behalf of both himself and his clients and defrauding his clients of millions of dollars. He created a dummy business which he used to embezzle his client’s tax return payments to the IRS while also filing false returns on their behalf. He then committed personal tax evasion by not reporting his illegally gained inc

    Apr 18,2023 40:28
32. 

    32. Episode 7: The Con Artist Television Taxman of San Diego Part II- How One Man Duped the Public and Betrayed His Clients

    Today’s episode is the exciting conclusion of the true crime tale of J. Douglas Jennings, the con artist television taxman of San Diego. He was involved in tax planning and ran a faith based practice, using religion to trick clients into trusting him. In the last episode, we learned about Doug Jennings’ most well-known case wherein he schemed an elderly client out of 3 million dollars and was subsequently disbarred. In spite of this, Doug and his wife, Peggy, kept up their criminal activities fo

    Apr 11,2023 29:00
33. 

    33. Episode 6: The Con Artist Television Taxman of San Diego: How One Man Duped the Public and Betrayed His Clients Part I

    Today’s episode reveals the true crime tale of J. Douglass Jennings, a real life knock off version of Better Call Saul. This con artist television taxman of San Diego managed to completely fool the public as he betrayed his clients’ trust through embezzlement, professional negligence, tax fraud, and malpractice. He attracted potential clients through a faith based pitch while lying about and strongly exaggerating his credentials and capabilities. In spite of having been sued more than 15 times,

    Apr 04,2023 37:57
34. 

    34. Episode 5: The Tragic End of a Career: How One Man’s Retirement was Derailed by Tax Fraud

    Today’s episode reveals the curious case of Larry Couchet, a once well-respected CPA in Ohio whose retirement was derailed by tax fraud. Larry was the president and majority shareholder of an accounting firm in Ohio and had a great reputation in his community. He was 59, nearing retirement, and all was well until he began helping his clients file false personal income tax returns. This went on from 2006 to 2010 until the IRS got involved. In May of 2014, the IRS charged four members of the Field

    Mar 28,2023 36:36
35. 

    35. Episode 4: Greed and Deceit: The Moral Failures of an Accountant Turned Criminal

    Today’s episode unveils the moral failures of an accountant turned criminal. Paul Henri Harleman was a contract bookkeeper in Hawaii who used his personal relationships to defraud his clients out of over 1.2 million dollars over a four year period. Paul started off with a fantastic reputation as a guy well trusted by his clients. It all changed when he became greedy and decided to deceive his clients, many of which were small business owners and nonprofit organizations. He opened up an LLC calle

    Mar 09,2023 33:37
36. 

    36. Episode 3: From Log Homes to Lockup: The Unbelievable Tale of Martin Birk

    Today’s episode reveals the unbelievable tale of Martin Birk, a Colorado businessman who went from log home salesperson to tax protester, and ultimately was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Birk started off as an honest businessman, filing his taxes each year, and running a thriving log homes business. When he took a business class at a local college, he got the wrong idea from something said by one of his professors about making sure tax laws apply to your specific income. He interpreted this a

    Mar 09,2023 41:46
37. 

    37. Episode 2: The Chrisley Con: How a Lavish Lifestyle and Fake Loans Led to Tax Fraud and Bankruptcy

    Today’s episode reveals that Julie and Todd Chrisley, a couple with a successful TV show, lived a lavish lifestyle using loans they took out illegally from banks. They defrauded banks by creating fake documents and claiming to have money in other banks. They spent about 36 million dollars on luxury trips, hotels, wear, and apartments. Whenever a loan was due, they would defraud another bank and use the loan to pay back the previous one. Todd eventually filed for bankruptcy, walking away from abo

    Feb 24,2023 35:30
38. 

    38. Episode 1: An Introduction to Tax Crime Junkies. Ernst & Young Fined 100M for Cheating on Ethics Exams

    Join us today as we dive deep into the Ernst & Young case that is costing them 100m dollars! We unpack the court case and how CPAs at Ernst & Young were cheating on their exams for over a decade! We also introduce ourselves, our vision, and what we hope to accomplish through the launching of this podcast! Tune in now! Talking Points:CPA ExamsEthicsCover-UpsCrimes CommittedAdvice on how to avoid this Houston Astros Cheating ConnectionIntegrity in our businessMuch More

    Feb 24,2023 35:03