A Lowell, Massachusetts, woman who helped run a family-owned temporary employment agency has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for defrauding the IRS of more than $5 million in tax revenue.
Margaret Mathes sought leniency because she had recently been diagnosed with possible Alzheimer's disease, but was instead punished with an enhanced sentence for greatly exaggerating her symptoms.
The Sun reports that in a scheme that spanned eight years, the 67-year-old Mathes and her family, owners of the former International Temp Agency and later JP Company, avoided paying taxes by paying workers under the table to avoid records.
Between 2004 and 2009, Mathes and her family reported a $2.2 million employee payroll, but hid an additional $25.8 million in wages. She had pleaded guilty in August.
Woman Sentenced for $5M Tax Fraud Scheme
Margaret Mathes sought leniency because she had recently been diagnosed with possible Alzheimer's disease
Copyright AP - Associated Press
