Earlier this week, CREW named Rep. David Scott one of the 22 most corrupt members of Congress.
Today, CREW filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice against Rep. Scott. We want an investigation of the Georgia Congressman to determine whether he violated federal tax law and laws prohibiting the use of official resources for campaign activities. The letter and accompanying exhibits can be found here.
Dayn-Mark Advertising, a company owned by Rep. Scott and his wife, began missing federal tax payments in 2003, and now owes over $150,000 in back taxes. In addition, since 1998 Dayn-Mark Advertising has failed to pay over $4,600 in local and state taxes, and the Scotts failed to pay $23,200 in taxes on their home. During that time, the Scotts’ stock holdings grew from $5,000 to over $65,000 and they purchased a home in Washington, DC worth over $700,000.
Currently, there are over 40 tax liens on Rep. Scott’s home and business.
Anyone who willfully attempts to evade paying taxes may be imprisoned up to 5 years and anyone who commits fraud or makes false statements in connection with filing a tax return may be imprisoned up to 3 years. Fines may also be imposed.
Additionally, in July 2007, The Politico reported that a staffer for Rep. Scott alleged misuse of congressional office staff and resources to run his reelection campaign. The staffer also stated that Rep. Scott designated certain employees to only perform campaign work, often during official office hours, while using government equipment, and that employees often performed political work from Rep. Scott’s advertising firm on taxpayer time.
Federal law prohibits members of Congress using from soliciting political contributions from employees, including in-kind contributions in the form of service. In addition, taxpayer dollars may not be spent on congressional campaigns. In the past, the Department of Justice has prosecuted the misuse of official resources.
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