A Denver tax preparer who spent more than a decade working for the IRS is now accused of helping clients disguise drug money as legitimate business income.
Clinton Roosevelt Dale, 51, faces 12 federal counts involving false tax returns and money laundering, according to a September 22 announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Dale owned and operated Blue Bear Tax Solutions in Denver.
Prosecutors allege Dale created fake businesses for certain clients whose income came primarily from illegal drug sales, including cocaine. He allegedly filed tax returns reporting that money as earnings from lawful businesses and claimed improper business expenses to reduce the clients’ taxes.
Before running the tax business, Dale worked as an IRS contact representative and revenue agent. Federal officials say he resigned in 2014 in lieu of termination. The announcement does not explain what led to his departure.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. The charges are allegations, and Dale is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
