CHARLESTON, SC – The South Carolina Department of Revenue has arrested 11 Boeing employees Monday for tax evasion.
The Department of Revenue reports that 11 individuals have been accused of submitting fraudulent W-4 forms to their employer claiming to be exempt for South Carolina income taxes, as well as failing to file their state income tax returns. With total earnings over $2.2 million, the individuals collectively evaded paying $99,729 in individual income taxes to the state of South Carolina.
Boeing confirmed the arrest of their employees in relation to the incident and released the following statement, “We have cooperated with the state in the months leading up to today’s announcement, and we will continue to cooperate with the state and the Department of Revenue until these individual matters are closed. While we will not interfere with the state’s investigation and processing of these matters, we will address any misconduct by Boeing employees in the context of the company’s processes and policies.” Boeing also stated those arrested have been put on suspension.
Those arrested in connection the incident are as follows:
- Christina Bradley, 42, of Berkeley County evaded $7,119 in state income taxes for 2012-2014 (3 charges).
- Priscilla Burbage, 31, of Berkeley County evaded $8,427 in state income taxes for 2011-2014 (4 charges).
- Allen Byrd, 41, of Charleston County evaded $18,754 in state income taxes for 2011-2014 (4 charges).
- Joseph Canady, Jr., 30, of Charleston County evaded $5,536 in state income taxes for 2011, 2012, and 2014 (3 charges).
- Bernadette Francis, 38, of Berkeley County evaded $9,594 in state income taxes for 2011-2014 (4 charges).
- David Griffin, Jr., 35, of Charleston County evaded $6,496 in state income taxes for 2012-2014 (3 charges).
- George Hearn III, 40, of Berkeley County evaded $9,148 in state income taxes for 2012-2014 (3 charges).
- Shekere Jones, 42, of Dorchester County evaded paying $4,985 in state income taxes for tax years 2012-2014 (3 charges).
- Miranda Rights, 57, of Berkeley County evaded $12,404 in state income taxes for 2012-2014 (3 charges).
- Wylie Runey, Jr., 52, of Charleston County evaded $7,678 in state income taxes for 2012-2014 (3 charges).
- Rodney Smalls, 43, of Charleston County evaded $9,588 in state income taxes for 2012-2014 (3 charges).
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected to be made. The defendants have been booked, and if convicted, will face up to $10,000 in fines and/or up to five years in prison per charge.